11. Pakistan cumhurbaşkanı
After hours of negotiations, second round of govt-opposition talks ends in a 'deadlock'
ISLAMABAD: Hours-long negotiations between the government and the opposition during a second round of talks ended in a “deadlock” early on Sunday. The meeting at Parliament House began shortly before 5pm, with discussions focusing on the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad. Details on the negotiating process were sparse as both sides seemingly agreeing not to speak to the media before matters concluded. However, shortly before 3am, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who was part of the opposition delegation, told the media that the talks had not succeeded in a breakthrough. “Deadlock,” he told reporters waiting at Parliament House in footage aired on Geo News. Asked what the points of contention were, he said they were “small things”. He added that the “issue” of meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan could not be solved. He went on to say that the deadlock was over Imran’s meeting with his personal physicians, and how to address terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that talks had now ended, adding that a detailed press conference would be held later. Separately, PPP’s Sherry Rehman, who also participated in the talks, said the government delegation debated all points with the oppsotion. “Unfortunately, the draft [agreement] was changed four times after it was agreed upon,” she told Geo News, adding that she would not go into the details. Hours-long talks Visuals broadcast by DawnNewsTV after 9:30pm showed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — part of the government delegation — departing Parliament House with a document in his hand , with media reports suggesting he was likely to consult the president. More than an hour later, footage showed Naqvi returning to Parliament House, with the interior minister maintaining his silence as reporters swarmed him for queries. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march, aimed at demanding Imran’s release, has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. Even as extended talks kept hopes for an agreement alive, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remained adamant on proceeding with PTI’s march to Islamabad. After voicing his determination on Saturday afternoon — which irked government representatives — the KP CM again took to X at 12:46am to detail the itinerary for the protest march. Laying out the journey plan, Afridi said PTI supporters from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat will join the long march from Lakki Marwat’s Gandi Chowk Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The caravan will halt for the night near Karak, from where people will depart at 12:30pm the next day and stay overnight near Kohat. Then, at 12pm on Oct 6, protesters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai will join the convoy, which will move towards Peshawar and spend the night near Mattani. The KP CM’s post went on to say that the caravan will depart from Budh Bair in Peshawar on Oct 7 afternoon. “The remaining constituencies of Peshawar will join us at Kohat Road Bridge and the Motorway Toll Plaza. And we will spend the night near Charsadda Interchange.” They would then depart the Charsadda Interchange at 12:30pm on Oct 8 after people from Charsadda and Mohmand join them. Refraining from detailing the final leg of the trip to the federal capital, Afridi said the people “of entire KP” would gather at Khairabad on Oct 8 and spend the night there. “God willing, the plan for the next phase will be announced there.” NA speaker hopes for ‘cordial’ talks When the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side included Naqvi, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, represented the PPP. The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Speaking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP’s Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side had shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants Imran to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of its party founder. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Tariq Fazal objects to KP CM’s remarks CM Afridi’s Saturday statement vowed to hold the long march on Oct 4 and to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. He said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” He stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, reiterated his call for PTI to call off its long march. Speaking at an event in Karachi on Saturday, Bilawal said it was his party that urged the Centre to engage in dialogue with PTI whereas the federal government had “made up its mind” on imposing emergency or governor’s rule in KP. In a post on X on Friday, the PPP chairman had pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which he said would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. Ahead of the talks, federal ministers had warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while PTI had warned of dire consequences if such a step was taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, PM Shehbaz has invited NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowOfficial outcome awaited as govt-opposition talks bleed into the night
ISLAMABAD: There was a flurry of activity at Parliament House on Saturday night as a second round of talks between the government and opposition extended past midnight, with discussions focusing on the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad. The meeting at Parliament House began shortly before 5pm. With both sides seemingly agreeing not to speak to the media before matters conclude, official details on the outcome are still awaited. Visuals broadcast by DawnNewsTV after 9:30pm showed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — part of the government delegation — departing Parliament House with a document in his hand , with media reports suggesting he was likely to consult the president. More than an hour later, footage showed Naqvi returning to Parliament House, with the interior minister maintaining his silence as reporters swarmed him for queries. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march, aimed at demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. Even as extended talks kept hopes for an agreement alive, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remained adamant on proceeding with PTI’s march to Islamabad. After voicing his determination on Saturday afternoon — which irked government representatives — the KP CM again took to X at 12:46am to detail the itinerary for the protest march. Laying out the journey plan, Afridi said PTI supporters from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat will join the long march from Lakki Marwat’s Gandi Chowk Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The caravan will halt for the night near Karak, from where people will depart at 12:30pm the next day and stay overnight near Kohat. Then, at 12pm on Oct 6, protesters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai will join the convoy, which will move towards Peshawar and spend the night near Mattani. The KP CM’s post went on to say that the caravan will depart from Budh Bair in Peshawar on Oct 7 afternoon. “The remaining constituencies of Peshawar will join us at Kohat Road Bridge and the Motorway Toll Plaza. And we will spend the night near Charsadda Interchange.” They would then depart the Charsadda Interchange at 12:30pm on Oct 8 after people from Charsadda and Mohmand join them. Refraining from detailing the final leg of the trip to the federal capital, Afridi said the people “of entire KP” would gather at Khairabad on Oct 8 and spend the night there. “God willing, the plan for the next phase will be announced there.” NA speaker hopes for ‘cordial’ talks When the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side included Naqvi, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, represented the PPP. The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Speaking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP’s Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side had shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants Imran to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of its party founder. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Tariq Fazal objects to KP CM’s remarks CM Afridi’s Saturday statement vowed to hold the long march on Oct 4 and to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. He said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” He stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, reiterated his call for PTI to call off its long march. Speaking at an event in Karachi on Saturday, Bilawal said it was his party that urged the Centre to engage in dialogue with PTI whereas the federal government had “made up its mind” on imposing emergency or governor’s rule in KP. In a post on X on Friday, the PPP chairman had pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which he said would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. Ahead of the talks, federal ministers had warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while PTI had warned of dire consequences if such a step was taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, PM Shehbaz has invited NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Official outcome still awaited as govt-opposition talks bleed into the night
ISLAMABAD: There was a flurry of activity at Parliament House on Saturday night as a second round of talks between the government and opposition extended past midnight, with discussions focusing on the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad. The meeting at Parliament House began shortly before 5pm, with several breaks in the middle. With both sides seemingly agreeing not to speak to the media before matters conclude, official details on the outcome are still awaited. Visuals broadcast by DawnNewsTV after 9:30pm showed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — part of the government delegation — departing Parliament House with a document in his hand , with media reports suggesting he was likely to consult the president. More than an hour later, footage showed Naqvi returning to Parliament House, with the interior minister maintaining his silence as reporters swarmed him for queries. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march, aimed at demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. Even as extended talks kept hopes for an agreement alive, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remained adamant on proceeding with PTI’s march to Islamabad. After voicing his determination on Saturday afternoon — which irked government representatives — the KP CM again took to X at 12:46am to detail the itinerary for the protest march. Laying out the journey plan, Afridi said PTI supporters from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat will join the long march from Lakki Marwat’s Gandi Chowk Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The caravan will halt for the night near Karak, from where people will depart at 12:30pm the next day and stay overnight near Kohat. Then, at 12pm on Oct 6, protesters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai will join the convoy, which will move towards Peshawar and spend the night near Mattani. The KP CM’s post went on to say that the caravan will depart from Budh Bair in Peshawar on Oct 7 afternoon. “The remaining constituencies of Peshawar will join us at Kohat Road Bridge and the Motorway Toll Plaza. And we will spend the night near Charsadda Interchange.” They would then depart the Charsadda Interchange at 12:30pm on Oct 8 after people from Charsadda and Mohmand join them. Refraining from detailing the final leg of the trip to the federal capital, Afridi said the people “of entire KP” would gather at Khairabad on Oct 8 and spend the night there. “God willing, the plan for the next phase will be announced there.” NA speaker hopes for ‘cordial’ talks When the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side included Naqvi, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, represented the PPP. The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Speaking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP’s Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side had shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants Imran to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of its party founder. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Tariq Fazal objects to KP CM’s remarks CM Afridi’s Saturday statement vowed to hold the long march on Oct 4 and to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. He said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” He stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, reiterated his call for PTI to call off its long march. Speaking at an event in Karachi on Saturday, Bilawal said it was his party that urged the Centre to engage in dialogue with PTI whereas the federal government had “made up its mind” on imposing emergency or governor’s rule in KP. In a post on X on Friday, the PPP chairman had pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which he said would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. Ahead of the talks, federal ministers had warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while PTI had warned of dire consequences if such a step was taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, PM Shehbaz has invited NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Official outcome of govt-opposition talks awaited after hours-long meeting
ISLAMABAD: A second round of talks between the government and the opposition was held on Saturday to discuss various issues, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad being the most prominent matter. The meeting at Parliament House, which began shortly before 5pm, went on for over four hours. However, with both sides seemingly agreeing not to speak to the media before matters conclude, official details on the outcome are still awaited. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The dialogue comes ahead of the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. As the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side included Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, represented the PPP. The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. KP CM adamant on long march Earlier in the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi voiced his determination to hold the long march on Oct 4 and vowed to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. In response, Chaudhry said the KP CM’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process and urged PTI leaders not to engage in such discourse. In his post, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. Opposition decides SOPs Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Talking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP leader Sherry Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. Replying to a question, Akhunzada said it was also decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one would issue a media statement regarding the dialogue and that a joint statement would be issued after the meeting. He said the joint statement would reduce chances of confusion and differences of opinion. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ In a post on X on Friday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Meanwhile, PTI KP Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said on Friday that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of Imran. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowNo official word as govt-opposition meeting concludes ahead of PTI march
ISLAMABAD: A second round of talks between the government and the opposition was held on Saturday to discuss various issues, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad being the most prominent matter. The meeting at Parliament House, which began shortly before 5pm, went on for over four hours. However, with both sides seemingly agreeing not to speak to the media before matters conclude, official details on the outcome are still awaited. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The dialogue comes ahead of the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. As the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side included Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, represented the PPP. The opposition delegation comprised Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. KP CM adamant on long march Earlier in the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi voiced his determination to hold the long march on Oct 4 and vowed to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. In response, Chaudhry said the KP CM’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process and urged PTI leaders not to engage in such discourse. In his post, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. Opposition decides SOPs Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Talking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP leader Sherry Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. Replying to a question, Akhunzada said it was also decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one would issue a media statement regarding the dialogue and that a joint statement would be issued after the meeting. He said the joint statement would reduce chances of confusion and differences of opinion. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ In a post on X on Friday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Meanwhile, PTI KP Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said on Friday that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of Imran. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowBilawal says Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP sought 'political solution'
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday said the federal government had made up its mind to impose emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, his party suggested finding a political solution to fight terrorism in a “better way”. Addressing an event in Karachi, Bilawal said that the federal government had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP regarding the recent security situation, particularly in KP. Noting the terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, Bilawal said, “In my opinion, the federal government had made up its mind and was 100 per cent ready; they wanted to immediately impose emergency or governor’s rule in KP.” He noted that although imposing governor’s rule or emergency in any province was a Constitutional tool, the PPP “was of the view that before dropping this constitutional atomic bomb, political parties should absolutely find a political solution to fight terrorism in a better way”. Sharing his party’s view, Bilawal said the PPP wanted to hold talks with the protesting party — the PTI — regarding its planned Oct 4 long march to Islamabad before making any decision. While calling on all parties to engage in dialogue with PTI before imposing emergency, he also urged the latter to abandon its long march to Islamabad and acknowledge the success of their protest. Bilawal said the PTI protest had been somewhat successful as the capital “has been shut for 10 days”, even if the party had not marched towards it. “A political party or worker should see that you have achieved success on the political stage.” However, he pointed out: “But it is also correct that while you are focusing on your own politics, there is terrorist activity in KP every other day. “If the provincial government does not consider this issue of terrorism and law and order important, and there are allegations that they are not standing with the federation, then we may be forced to declare an emergency or governor’s rule.” The PPP chief noted that the terrorist threat from Afghanistan and India’s “hideous role” in supporting it was apparent. “Do not see terrorism through a political lens.” “We want to come together to fight terrorism and not view it as a political issue, but a national one,” Bilawal emphasised, recalling a recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari. The Bhutto scion called for a written agreement between the KP and federal governments which would outline “how they will combat terrorism together”. “If there is any political deadlock, it needs to be kept separate from issues like terrorism or national interests.” The government and PPP are jointly engaged in talks with the opposition, aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. The discussions precede the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. The decision to have talks with the opposition was taken after PM Shehbaz called on President Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad earlier this week. National security, institutional cooperation on law and order and the possibility of using emergency powers were among the topics discussed. A joint delegation comprising PML-N and PPP leaders met the opposition on Friday, with a second round of talks held on Saturday. As the politicians gathered at Parliament House, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as the day before. Bilawal announces water projects for Karachi’s SITE Earlier in his speech, Bilawal congratulated the people of Karachi on the completion of a water project and added that the PPP saw its first success in local government elections. “The number one priority for us is water. Eight per cent of Sindh’s water comes through IRSA,” Bilawal said, referring to the Indus River System Authority, which releases water downstream into Sindh. However, persistent water shortages caused by IRSA not releasing water have triggered strong protests in the past. “The 1999 Water Accord has not been implemented, so this city and our province do not get our deserved share,” he added. “Rather than giving us water, they pursue projects without our permission, which causes water shortages in Sindh and Karachi.” Bilawal noted that in the 1999 Accord, it is clearly stated that more water would be given to Sindh to fulfil Karachi’s needs. However, he noted that this right was denied to the people of Sindh. “The Sindh government and KMC prioritised saving water for the people of Karachi, so that they can avail extra water,” Bilawal outlined, adding that several months ago, the 25 million gallon water treatment facility was inaugurated in Kemari. “As the mayor told you, the capacity will be increased by 55 million gallons, so that we can deliver those benefits to the people of Kemari,” he added. Calling it the first project of its kind in Pakistan, Bilawal expressed hope that the needs of people in Karachi’s SITE area would be met, noting that it is the “engine” for the city’s economy and that of Pakistan. “We have started a 35 million gallon water treatment project, and this water will fulfil the needs of SITE,” he stated. “The dirty water that used to pollute Karachi, our sea and our river will be treated, bringing benefits for all. In the second phase, 65 million gallons will be treated by January. Once this is completed, the capacity will reach 100 million gallons.” Additionally, the PPP chief noted that by October 20, projects to provide 10 million gallons of water to Lyari and DHA through a pipeline would be completed.
Bilawal says Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP sought 'political solution'Second round of talks between govt, opposition underway ahead of PTI's Islamabad march
ISLAMABAD: Delegations from the government and the opposition began a second round of talks on Saturday afternoon to discuss various issues, including the PTI’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad. The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, is aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. It comes ahead of the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. As the huddle began, the NA speaker expressed his hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as Friday’s, according to a post on the NA’s X account. The government side includes Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry. Senator Sherry Rehman, along with MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, is representing the PPP. The opposition delegation comprises Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Chief Whip Amir Dogar, MNA Asad Qaiser, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh. KP CM adamant on long march Earlier in the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi voiced his determination to hold the long march on Oct 4 and vowed to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9, 2023. In response, Chaudhry said the KP CM’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process and urged PTI leaders not to engage in such discourse. In his post, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” Detailing his long march plan, Afridi said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Oct 4. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, the PTI leader added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Chaudhry said Afridi’s statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, PPP’s Rehman stressed that her party was making efforts to solve issues in a democratic manner. Asked about KP CM being adamant on the PTI march, the PPP leader said it was up to the PTI, but added that she would refrain from making comments before the talks conclude. While acknowledging that each party had its positions, she noted that the objective of holding negotiations was to “discuss those positions”. Opposition decides SOPs Prior to the meeting with the government, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Talking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP leader Sherry Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. Replying to a question, Akhunzada said it was also decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one would issue a media statement regarding the dialogue and that a joint statement would be issued after the meeting. He said the joint statement would reduce chances of confusion and differences of opinion. ‘Political solutions to political problems’ In a post on X on Friday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. Meanwhile, PTI KP Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said on Friday that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on Sept 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of Imran. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march until Oct 4. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowGovt, opposition begin second round of talks ahead of PTI's Islamabad march
Delegations from the government and the PTI gathered for a second round of talks on Saturday afternoon to discuss various issues, including the latter’s planned Oct 4 march to Islamabad. Ahead of the talks, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Talking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP leader Sherry Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. Replying to a question, Akhunzada said it was also decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one would issue a media statement regarding the dialogue and that a joint statement would be issued after the meeting. He said the joint statement would reduce chances of confusion and differences of opinion. Afridi adamant on long march Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remained adamant about holding the long march on October 4, vowing to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9. His remarks came as the government and the opposition are scheduled to hold the second round of talks today. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of the party founder and ex-prime minister Imran Khan. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march till October 4. In a social media post on X, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” On October 4, he said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, CM Afridi added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. Reacting to the KP CM’s remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said his statements could affect the ongoing negotiation process even though the government wanted them to be “meaningful and fruitful”. He urged PTI leaders to refrain from making such statements until the final stage of the negotiations, so that the dialogue process was not “harmed”. “The language that Sohail Afridi is using against his opponents and our leadership does not seem like that of a chief minister; his statements are extremely indecent and reprehensible,” Chaudhry said. In a post on X a day earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. On Friday, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, which was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “[The] forum underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create [a] May 9-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting, which was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad, scheduled for Oct 4. The government side included Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with the PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman and MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition delegation, led by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, according to the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), comprised PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowGovt, PTI set for second round of talks as opposition finalises SOPs
As delegations from the government and the PTI again gather on Saturday for the second round of talks, the opposition held a meeting in which standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the talks were finalised. It was decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one from either side would speak to the media during the talks and that a joint statement would be issued afterwards to avoid any misunderstanding. Talking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousufzai said comments made by PPP leader Sherry Rehman on Friday had triggered a controversy, leaving the situation unpleasant until late at night. “The opposition alliance held a meeting before the start of the talks, during which the government side’s views regarding the law and order situation in KP were discussed. After consultation with the KP chief minister, a response was prepared, which will be presented to the government side during the meeting today,” he said. Replying to a question, Akhunzada said it was also decided that it would be proposed during the meeting that no one would issue a media statement regarding the dialogue and that a joint statement would be issued after the meeting. He said the joint statement would reduce the chances of confusion and differences of opinion. Afridi adamant on long march Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday remained adamant about holding the long march on October 4, vowing to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9. His remarks came as the government and the opposition are scheduled to hold the second round of talks today in the Speaker’s Chambers at 2pm. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of the party founder and ex-prime minister Imran Khan. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march till October 4. In a social media post on X, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” On October 4, he said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, CM Afridi added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. In a post on X a day earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. On Friday, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. Also on Friday, the army’s top brass warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”. The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, which was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “[The] forum underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create [a] May 9-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting, which was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad, scheduled for Oct 4. The government side included Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with the PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman and MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition delegation, led by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas according to the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), comprised PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowCM Afridi adamant on holding long march, says will not allow repeat of May 9 events
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday remained adamant about holding the long march on October 4, vowing to prevent a repeat of the events of May 9. His remarks came as the government and the opposition are scheduled to hold the second round of talks today in the Speaker’s Chambers at 2pm. In August, PTI announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27 against what it called the “illegal imprisonment” of the party founder and ex-prime minister Imran Khan. However, a couple of days before its scheduled long march, the party postponed the march till October 4. In a social media post on X, CM Afridi said PTI was the largest and most popular political party in Pakistan. “Pakistan is a democratic country whose Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest.” On October 4, he said an “ocean of people” would begin its journey from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm. The party would continue its struggle until the supremacy of the Constitution and the law was ensured in Pakistan and an independent judiciary was restored, CM Afridi added. “All demands of the PTI are in accordance with the constitution and the law.” In his post, he stressed that the party would “neither allow May 9 to happen again nor allow anyone else to repeat it”. In a post on X a day earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, an ally of the PML-N government, pressed PTI to unconditionally call off the long march, which, he said, would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and threats emanating from neighbouring countries. Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. On Friday, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai said that the party’s protest march would start from the southern districts and be led by CM Afridi. “The march on October 4 will take place at any cost,” he said in a statement. For the first time in almost three years, representatives of the federal government and the opposition PTI formally came together on Friday for talks aimed at easing the political tension in the country, and apprised each other of their positions. Though neither side shared its specific demands with the media, both were hopeful of a positive outcome from the meeting, which was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Sources on both sides told Dawn that the PTI wants its incarcerated founder Imran Khan to be shifted from jail to a hospital for medical treatment, while the government has insisted that the opposition call off its protest march on Islamabad, scheduled for Oct 4. The government side included Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with the PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman and MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition delegation, led by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas according to the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), comprised PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Emergency option The talks come as the PTI remains resolute on the march. Federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no option but to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while the PTI has warned of dire consequences if such a step is taken. The decision to hold talks was taken on Thursday at a presidency meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and other PPP and PML-N leaders. A source privy to the huddle told Dawn the emergency option was discussed, but participants agreed to first give the opposition a chance to settle matters peacefully through dialogue, and to seriously consider an emergency only if the PTI did not back down. The coalition also believes the march will remain confined to KP and not enter Punjab or Islamabad. On Thursday, Sanaullah said the government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the protest, and that the decision on the march rested with the PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. Separately, the prime minister has invited Achakzai for dialogue, and the two are expected to meet in the coming days.
First round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms over Islamabad
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. It comes ahead of the the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. According to a statement issued by the NA Secretariat, the participants held detailed discussions “on the prevailing political situation and exchanged views on various matters of national importance”. “The government, PPP and opposition representatives apprised each other of their respective positions and held a detailed exchange of views in a constructive and cordial manner. The participants emphasised the need to resolve national issues through dialogue and negotiations,” it said. The statement added that the second round of talks would be held on Saturday at 2pm in the NA speaker’s chamber. “NA Speaker Sadiq played a key role in facilitating dialogue among the government, PPP and opposition,” the statement said. The delegations were welcomed by Speaker Sadiq upon their arrival. “I am only playing the role of a mediator,” he said. Sadiq said his office was “always open” to resolving issues through negotiations and that he had consistently invited the opposition to engage in dialogue. He maintained that negotiations were the only way to resolve differences and issues, adding that positions and offices were temporary. “Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said. In an earlier post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan said the opposition side was being led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the meeting, along with PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and National Assembly members Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition was represented by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Abbas, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. ‘PTI will have to call off its march’ Speaking to the media after the meeting, PPP’s Rehman said the party believed in resolving issues through negotiations. She said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated the party’s stance on the long march and that the PTI had to call it off “unconditionally”. “They will have to call it off rather than postponing or deferring,” she said. “Both parties have time; we will meet tomorrow. We will try to conclude this by tomorrow,” she stated. Talking about the opposition’s reported demand of facilitating a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, she said she could not answer the question. However, she said the opposition had asked for time and “we should respect it”. “A political and democratic attitude requires sitting at the negotiation table and resolving the issues through dialogue,” she stated. Later, Bilawal welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. “The challenge of terrorism has become an existential threat to Pakistan, particularly given the active support these groups receive from neighbouring countries,” he wrote on X. The PPP chief expressed hope that the talks would conclude with the opposition unconditionally calling off the long march, which would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and those from neighbouring countries. “The PPP has been, and will always remain, committed to combating terrorism through any and all constitutional means,” he added. ‘Govt should engage with integrity’ The Senate opposition leader, speaking to the media at his office during a break in talks with the government, said the government should engage with the opposition “with integrity” and take steps towards resolving the issues. “If the government cares about the political crisis, then it should sit with the opposition with integrity and step forward to find a solution,” Abbas said. Regarding PTI’s long march, he said the call would remain “intact” until a solution was found. “Negotiating is the way of political leaders; negotiations could resolve gigantic issues and war,” he said, adding that “it, however, depends on the government’s intention”. He questioned whether the government, as the other party to the negotiations, genuinely wanted to resolve the issues. “They are in government and it is their responsibility to maintain peace, resolve crises, and ensure economic stability,” he said. Abbas reiterated that the outcome depended on how “autonomous” the government was and whether it had the “intent” to pursue negotiations. Speaking to the media after the talks, PTI Chairman Gohar said that both parties had shared their stances on “all the issues”. Regarding negotiations with the government, he added that “Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai have the mandate for these things”. During an opposition alliance meeting yesterday, he said, the party had decided to attend the talks with the government and give their stance if it called on the opposition. “The positive aspect of this talk is that it is still continuing and we’ll meet again tomorrow,” he said, adding that tomorrow’s talks would be held by the same opposition committee that held them today. Asked what the party would do if the PTI were to gain access to Imran and he were to once again call for a long march, he said: “We always act upon the directions given by Khan sahab.” A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at President House attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other party leaders. Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowFirst round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan emerging as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. According to a statement issued by the NA Secretariat, the participants held detailed discussions “on the prevailing political situation and exchanged views on various matters of national importance”. “The government, PPP and opposition representatives apprised each other of their respective positions and held a detailed exchange of views in a constructive and cordial manner. The participants emphasised the need to resolve national issues through dialogue and negotiations,” it said. The statement added that the second round of talks would be held on Saturday at 2pm in the NA speaker’s chamber. “NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq played a key role in facilitating dialogue among the government, PPP and opposition,” the statement said. The delegations were welcomed by Speaker Sadiq upon their arrival. “I am only playing the role of a mediator,” he said. Sadiq said his office was “always open” to resolving issues through negotiations and that he had consistently invited the opposition to engage in dialogue. He maintained that negotiations were the only way to resolve differences and issues, adding that positions and offices were temporary. “Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said. In an earlier post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) said the opposition side was being led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Minister Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the meeting, along with PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and National Assembly members Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition was represented by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Abbas, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. Sherry says PTI will have to call off its march Speaking to the media after the meeting, PPP’s Sherry said the party believed in resolving issues through negotiations. She said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated the party’s stance on the long march and that the PTI had to call it off “unconditionally”. “They will have to call it off rather than postponing or deferring,” she said. “Both parties have time; we will meet tomorrow. We will try to conclude this by tomorrow,” she stated. Talking about the opposition’s reported demand of facilitating a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, she said she could not answer the question. However, she said the opposition had asked for time and “we should respect it”. “A political and democratic attitude requires sitting at the negotiation table and resolving the issues through dialogue,” she stated. Later, Bilawal welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. “The challenge of terrorism has become an existential threat to Pakistan, particularly given the active support these groups receive from neighbouring countries,” he wrote on X. The PPP chief expressed hope that the talks would conclude with the opposition unconditionally calling off the long march, which would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and those from neighbouring countries. “The PPP has been, and will always remain, committed to combating terrorism through any and all constitutional means,” he added. ‘Govt should engage with integrity’ The Senate opposition leader, speaking to the media at his office during a break in talks with the government, said the government should engage with the opposition “with integrity” and take steps towards resolving the issues. “If the government cares about the political crisis, then it should sit with the opposition with integrity and step forward to find a solution,” Abbas said. Regarding PTI’s long march, he said the call would remain “intact” until a solution was found. “Negotiating is the way of political leaders; negotiations could resolve gigantic issues and war,” he said, adding that “it, however, depends on the government’s intention”. He questioned whether the government, as the other party to the negotiations, genuinely wanted to resolve the issues. “They are in government and it is their responsibility to maintain peace, resolve crises, and ensure economic stability,” he said. Abbas reiterated that the outcome depended on how “autonomous” the government was and whether it had the “intent” to pursue negotiations. Speaking to the media after the talks, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said that both parties had shared their stances on “all the issues”. Regarding negotiations with the government, he added that “Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai have the mandate for these things”. During an opposition alliance meeting yesterday, he said, the party had decided to attend the talks with the government and give their stance if it called on the opposition. “The positive aspect of this talk is that it is still continuing and we’ll meet again tomorrow,” he said, adding that tomorrow’s talks would be held by the same opposition committee that held them today. Asked what the party would do if the PTI were to gain access to Imran and he were to once again call for a long march, he said: “We always act upon the directions given by Khan sahab.” A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at the presidency attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other party leaders. Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowFirst round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms over federal capital
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives was held to defuse the current political crisis in the country, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march to demand party founder Imran Khan’s release becoming the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. In a post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) said negotiations with the government’s committee were underway, with the opposition led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and PPP MNAs Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani are expected to participate from the coalition’s side. From the opposition’s side, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousafzai, Senate opposition leader Abbas and former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and Haleem Adil Sheikh are among those attending. A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at the presidency attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other party leaders. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. More to follow.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrow7 terrorists eliminated in KP's North Waziristan IBO: state media
Seven terrorists were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan in the Eidak area in an intelligence-based operation (IBO), state media reported on Friday, citing security sources. “Security forces pursued the terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij with determination and combat skills and destroyed their hideouts,” Radio Pakistan said. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). President Asif Ali Zardari lauded security forces for the successful operation, a statement issued by his office said. “Under the Azm-i-Istehkam initiative, the efforts of the security forces to completely eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace are commendable,” the president was quoted as saying. KP has been witnessing terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time. The province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August compared with 36 in July, representing an increase of 50 per cent, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). On September 30, security forces killed three terrorists in an IBO in KP’s Mir Ali. A day before that, in an IBO in KP’s Bara area, security forces killed five terrorists. On Monday, four terrorists were killed during an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan. Last week, a dozen people lost their lives while 35 others were injured in a suicide blast that targeted the Aman Mela police checkpost in DI Khan’s Darazinda tehsil. On Sept 18, a major attack in the old Police Lines in KP’s Kohat claimed 23 lives and injured about 100 others. Eight terrorists were killed during an overnight clearance operation. On Sept 17, security forces killed 10 terrorists in separate operations in KP between Sept 15 and 17. Earlier in the month, over 20 terrorists were killed during multiple engagements in KP between Sept 3 and 5.
PPP to join govt representatives as Shehbaz-Zardari meeting yields Friday talks with opposition
A joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, identical statements released by the PPP and the Presidency said. The decision was taken after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar Khan also confirmed that a meeting between opposition and government representatives would be held on Friday. “PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan received a message from the government yesterday for a meeting, which he has accepted in light of the decisions made in today’s opposition meeting. God willing, a meeting will take place between the opposition and government delegations in the office of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq tomorrow at 12pm,” he post on Gohar’s X account said. His announcement came after a separate meeting between PTI and opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan leaders in the Senate opposition leader’s chamber. Apart from Gohar, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, NA Chief Whip Aamer Mahmood Kamboh and TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousufzai, among others, attended the meeting. Discussion at the meeting covered the overall political situation in the country, PTI’s planned protest march and other constitutional and parliamentary matters, a statement by opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) said. Following the meeting, Achakzai ruled out his participation at any meeting in the speaker’s chamber. A list of prospective opposition leaders who are to participate in the meeting also did not include his name. Yousufzai told Dawn that he, Abbas and Khokhar would represent the TTAP. A senior TTAP leader further told Dawn that even Abbas was unwilling to visit the speaker’s chamber for the meeting but had agreed to participate at the PTI’s request. The possibility of a meeting between government and opposition representative is being seen as a means to defuse the current political crisis in the country, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march to demand Imran’s release becoming the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where Imran’s party is in the government — in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. The TTAP, which is headed by Achakzai and also includes the PTI, has announced that it would join the protest. ‘Anywhere but not at PM Office, speaker’s chamber’ Earlier in the day, Achakzai said he was not ready to hold parleys at the Prime Minister’s House or Office or the Speaker’s Chamber. “The prime minister is illegitimate. The mandate of millions of Pakistanis … Harsh words are rising to my lips; that is why I am silent. “I am ready to sit anywhere in Pakistan, under any tree. I am ready to visit the house of any party [leader]. But I will not go to the speaker house [sic], the Prime Minister’s House or the prime minister’s chamber,” he said while speaking to the media at Parliament House after the opposition leaders’ meeting, standing alongside Gohar. Achakzai’s remarks were in response to a question about the prime minister’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, inviting him and PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar to hold a sitting with the premier. The reporter asked him why the meeting was not taking place. In a video clip shared by the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), Achakzai also said the meeting with the prime minister would take place after a meeting with jailed former premier and PTI founder Imran Khan. PM Shehbaz had extended an invitation to the NA opposition leader to sit together for consultations on the issues of national importance and those related to the PTI before leaving for the US. Earlier, the premier also invited Achakzai on Sept 11 for mandatory consultation on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner. Gohar’s warning against imposition of emergency For his part, Barrister Gohar told the media that Raja, Qaiser and Dogar had held a three-hour meeting with Abbas and Achakzai in which they had a detailed exchange of views on the problems facing the country and the current situation, particularly in KP and regarding the march preparations. He condemned the “state oppression and tyranny” inflicted on the PTI and its supporters, as well as the detention and treatment of Imran’s sisters in jail. The PTI chairman claimed that attempts were made to suppress his party “whenever we raise our voice for our rights and for justice in the country”. Gohar also stressed that the party had “always stood with the state and the country”, including during the May 2025 conflict with India. Gohar added that the leaders had also discussed reports regarding the potential imposition of emergency and warned: “The federation becomes strong when the provinces are strong and autonomous, and when the people’s mandate is respected. You will put the federation at risk if you take any action in a province that goes against the will of its people.” He reiterated that the PTI’s march would remain peaceful, saying, “This is our country; for us, Pakistan comes first, the state of Pakistan and its peace and security.” The PTI chairman stated that the way to avoid a long march was not by the imposition of governor’s rule or a state of emergency, but rather by talking to protesters, listening to the purpose for which they were out on the streets, and addressing their concerns. “We went to the Supreme Court 19 times, but were not heard. We went to the high court 25 times but its orders were not implemented. A special committee was formed in Parliament, but a meeting was never called … Even today, the same concerns persist,” he said. Gohar stressed that despite all this, the party was ready for negotiations and had made their demands clear before everyone. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also stressed that protesting was a constitutional and legal right, and the party would not back down from their protest. “The leader of the long march is Sohail Afridi; Imran Khan has appointed him. We will support him in every possible way,” he added. ‘Opposition ready for dialogue but without conditions’ Speaking to the media alongside Achakzai and Gohar after the meeting in his chamber, Senate Opposition Leader Abbas called for reconciliation and dialogue to resolve the country’s political crisis, saying his side was ready for talks, but without preconditions. He also stressed that the PTI’s protest would be peaceful even when met with violence, and that “no false narrative” should be created against the protest. “I have said before as well that when we leave from there, there will be no weapons in our hands,” he said. “We know the value of human life.” Abbas called for a move towards reconciliation and dialogue in order to improve the country’s situation. “We are fully prepared to hold dialogue and correct the situation, but this will be without any conditions. If anyone thinks that they will hold a dagger of conditions at our necks, then, such a thing will never be accepted,” he said. Regarding the proposed protest, Abbas said the PTI had “decided to adopt a democratic approach by staging peaceful protests and a long march”. He said the government should have “assured the protesters of the protection of their lives and property, provided them with facilities, and, while recognising the right to peaceful protest, designated the routes”. “But, on the contrary, what did the government do? Even before the protests began, containers were placed to seal Islamabad, roads were dug up and nails were hammered into the routes,” he said, claiming that this was the behaviour of “scared people”. Stressing that the Constitution guaranteed the rights of the Pakistani people, Abbas said peaceful protests, sit-ins and long marches were part of democratic politics. The opposition leader also criticised the reported arrests of PTI members under the Maintenance of Public Order law, terming it a completely “illegal practice”. On Imran, Abbas said, “The only personality who can take Pakistan out of the current crisis is Imran Khan, whom the people trust.” “He will go to Balochistan, where Akhtar Mengal and other leaders will be with him. He will sit with the people and talk to them and convince them. What you cannot do through the force of bullets can be done through dialogue because the people trust him,” he added. ‘Off-the-record talks’ In the morning, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest on Oct 4. Sanaullah made the remarks while appearing in Geo News’ morning show “Geo Pakistan”. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” Sanaullah warned. He likened the PTI’s march to a “provincial government attacking the capital” in an apparent reference to the PTI-led government in KP. “If a political party or a private organisation stages a protest, […] but for a government to attack […] it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he held. “The law will be enacted in full force, and they (PTI) will be barred from entering Islamabad,” he added. Responding to a question about governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sanaullah on Thursday said that the option was “on the table”. Sanaullah further clarified that the federal government was in talks with coalition parties about imposing governor’s rule in KP. He added that the final decision rested upon the federal government and the Senate, adding that it would only come into effect with parliament’s approval. Sanaullah alleged that the KP chief minister had not been performing his functions as the province’s chief executive. “For the past two months, he has not done anything, nothing about development or counter-terrorism efforts or for the welfare of people […] in fact, all he has done is talk about marching to Islamabad and toppling the federal government. “They want to take ladders to Islamabad to secure the release of a certain someone,” he added. Sanaullah reiterated that if a province is “engaged in such illegal and unconstitutional activities, then the Centre has the right to declare emergency or governor rule and assume power”. Additional reporting by Ikram Junaidi
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowPM to gather allies as tensions with PTI mount
• Shehbaz to meet PPP leaders to discuss KP issues, protest threat • Sherry, Qamar meet PML-N leaders • Tariq Fazal says ‘emergency’ in KP under consideration due to ‘terrorism’ • Nayyar Bokhari urges talks, says Constitution provides remedies if govt fails to fulfil responsibilities ISLAMABAD: As political challenges mount for the PML-N government in light of multiple planned protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans to hold extensive consultations with his allies to discuss the political and security situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ruled by archrival PTI. A source in the Prime Minister’s House told Dawn that the PM was likely to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party was invited to a planned opposition multiparty moot. The premier is expected to discuss the imposition of the governor’s rule in KP, apparently due to a rise in terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on President Zardari recently in Karachi — a visit seen as quite significant against the backdrop of discussions on the governor’s rule in the PTI-ruled province. The PM had decided to take the president and the PPP into confidence after this meeting. Appearing on TV, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PM was briefed on the current political situation soon after he arrived from the United States. “The PM was also apprised that the government reserved the right (to impose emergency) under the Constitution,” he said. Over the past week, the KP government had been warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule in the province in light of the security situation and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. The opposition party had warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision was imposed. However, a meeting between the PM and the National Assembly opposition leader, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, can also take place to defuse the crisis, since the PM had extended an invitation to the opposition leader to sit together for consultations on the issues of national importance and those related to the PTI before leaving for the US. The PTI march on Islamabad would commence on Oct 4, and a meeting with the opposition would bear fruit for the government before this date. Similarly, PM Shehbaz is also expected to meet Jamaat-i-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to discuss the petroleum levy. He had warned of resuming his march in the first week of October if the talks with the PM did not succeed. Ruling allies meet Meanwhile, a delegation-level meeting between the PML-N and the PPP took place on Wednesday in the chamber of the National Assembly speaker. PPP’s Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar met Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to discuss KP’s fate. After the meeting, Law Minister Tarar told reporters at Parliament House that emergency was also discussed with the PPP members. “Imposition of the governor’s rule is a constitutional right which can be imposed when the situation requires it. In KP, people are martyred every day,” he added. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told media persons that imposition of emergency through Article 232 of the Constitution was under consideration due to terrorism in KP. “Emergency can be imposed not because of any political reason but due to increasing terrorism in the province,” he added. He claimed that the PPP would support all decisions of the government on security issues. Following the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and apparently discussed the legislation to be tabled in parliament, while also apprising the premier of the PPP’s stance on imposition of governor’s rule in KP. A source in the NA Secretariat told Dawn that the PPP and the government discussed four important bills to be presented in the forthcoming session of the National Assembly. They included Port Qasim Authority (Amendment) Bill, Gwadar Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, Karachi Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, and Life Insurance Nationalization (Amendment) Bill. The source said the PPP has agreed on three bills while one was rejected. Another source in the NA Secretariat said the bills were related to the directives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Earlier, PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari said that the party will offer its recommendations within the framework of the Constitution and law if it is asked to share an opinion on the governor’s rule, seemingly to control the PTI. In a statement, he said the Constitution provided a course of action if the provincial government failed to fulfil its constitutional and administrative responsibilities. “The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is extremely alarming,” Mr Bukhari said, adding that residents in various parts of the province, including the chief minister’s home district, were forced to remain indoors after sunset. Mr Bukhari said the PTI priorities appeared to be focused on the release of one individual rather than resolving public issues. He said the use of provincial resources for a march on Islamabad and the use of government authority for political purposes were matters of concern. Mr Bukhari said the PPP had always believed in political dialogue and negotiations, adding that the party had held talks even with its fiercest political opponents because national issues could be resolved through dialogue rather than force and confrontation. Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026
PM to gather allies as tensions with PTI mountPPP 'welcomes' opposition's invite to multiparty moot, says will forward it to Bilawal to consider
ISLAMABAD: Opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Tuesday invited the PPP, a key ally of the ruling PML-N in the Centre, to attend multiparty conference that is being planned by the opposition. For its part, the PPP said it “welcomes the move” and would forward the invitation to the party’s chairperson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The TTAP would then be informed of his stance. The development was confirmed in separate but similar statements by the two sides. The opposition had first announced its intention to hold a multiparty moot on Sept 11, with the PTI leading the initiative. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had outlined plans to hold the conference, saying that “the current law and order situation, the economy, inflation, lawlessness, and the creation of new provinces issue” called for such measures. His statement to the media came after a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leaders, who have agreed to attend the opposition’s moot. A delegation of the TTAP, led by Barrister Gohar, called on PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari at the party’s Central Secretariat in Islamabad and formally invited his party to the moot as well, statements by the two sides said. The delegation also included Leader of Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Senator Zeeshan Akhunzada and TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai. The TTAP delegation briefed Bukhari on the objectives and purpose of the planned multiparty conference, the statements said. They also discussed the political situation in the country, supremacy of the Constitution, strengthening of democratic institutions, contacts between political parties and other matters. The statements quoted Bukhari as saying that the PPP considered “engagement and consultation with political parties on constitutional and democratic matters important”. Speaking to Dawn after the meeting, TTAP spokesperson Yousafzai said the multiparty conference would be held after PTI’s protest, which is scheduled for Oct 4 to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. “We have started meeting with the representatives of political parties so that the date and venue for the moot is finalised,” he said, adding that since the PPP had taken a clear stance over the creation of new provinces, the opposition had decided to invite it as well. In the recent past, the proposal for the creation of new administrative units was first floated by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in July. The proposition drew strong reactions from government ministers, while the country’s leading lawyers’ bodies adopted divergent positions. The PPP, which rules Sindh, has strongly opposed any division of the province and maintains that any decision to create new provinces must be taken through the constitutional and parliamentary process and with political consensus. Meanwhile, the relationship between the PPP and the PML-N had also been strained lately during acrimonious election campaigns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The TTAP also plans invite other parties to it opposition’s moot. Yousafzai said Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI), Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamaat-i-Islami would also be invited to the moot, but the ruling PML-N and its ally in the Centre, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, would not be extended an invitation. The TTAP has also formed a six-member committee to hold consultations with political parties and reach an agreement on the agenda for the proposed MPC.
PPP 'welcomes' opposition's invite to multiparty moot, says will forward it to Bilawal for decision
ISLAMABAD: Opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Tuesday invited the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally of the ruling PML-N in the Centre, to attend multiparty conference that is being planned by the opposition. For its part, the PPP said it “welcomes the move” and would forward the invitation to the party’s chairperson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The TTAP would then be informed of his stance. The development was confirmed in separate but similar statements by the two sides. The opposition had first announced its intention to hold a multiparty moot on Sept 11, with the PTI leading the initiative. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had outlined plans to hold the conference, saying that “the current law and order situation, the economy, inflation, lawlessness, and the creation of new provinces issue” called for such measures. His statement to the media came after a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leaders, who have agreed to attend the opposition’s moot. A delegation of the TTAP, led by Barrister Gohar, called on PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari at the party’s Central Secretariat in Islamabad and formally invited his party to the moot as well, statements by the two sides said. The delegation also included Leader of Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Senator Zeeshan Akhunzada and TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai. The TTAP delegation briefed Bukhari on the objectives and purpose of the planned multiparty conference, the statements said, They also discussed the political situation in the country, supremacy of the Constitution, strengthening of democratic institutions, contacts between political parties and other matters. The statements quoted Bukhari as saying that the PPP considered “engagement and consultation with political parties on constitutional and democratic matters important”. Speaking to Dawn after the meeting, TTAP spokesperson Yousafzai said the multiparty conference would be held after PTI’s protest, which is scheduled for Oct 4 to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. “We have started meeting with the representatives of political parties so that the date and venue for the moot is finalised,” he said, adding that since the PPP had taken a clear stance over the creation of new provinces, the opposition had decided to invite it as well. In the recent past, the proposal for the creation of new administrative units was first floated by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in July. The proposition drew strong reactions from government ministers, while the country’s leading lawyers’ bodies adopted divergent positions. The PPP, which rules Sindh, has strongly opposed any division of the province and maintains that any decision to create new provinces must be taken through the constitutional and parliamentary process and with political consensus. Meanwhile, the relationship between the PPP and the PML-N had also been strained lately during acrimonious election campaigns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The TTAP also plans invite other parties to it opposition’s moot. Yousafzai said Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI), Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamaat-i-Islami would also be invited to the moot, but the ruling PML-N and its ally in the Centre, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, would not be extended an invitation. The TTAP has also formed a six-member committee to hold consultations with political parties and reach an agreement on the agenda for the proposed MPC.
Zardari urges ethical AI use to boost tourism
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the need to align emerging technologies with ethical tourism frameworks to empower local economies. In his message on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, President Zardari welcomed international visitors to explore Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, highlighting a forward-looking vision that blends modern connectivity with traditional values of hospitality. “We have to develop a tourism sector that embraces innovation while remaining rooted in our values of hospitality, respect and responsibility,” President Zardari said. Says digital technology is reshaping how people plan and experience travel This year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, draws attention to the changes that technology and artificial intelligence are bringing to the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and experience different cultures. “We must ensure that these changes remain responsible, inclusive and beneficial to people and communities,” Mr Zardari said. “Pakistan has a remarkable diversity of landscapes and experiences, from the mountains of the north and the ancient civilisations of the Indus Valley to our Islamic and Gandhara heritage, cities, deserts and coastal areas. Our greatest strength, however, remains the warmth and hospitality of our people,” he said. According to the president, tourism can create livelihoods, support local businesses and open opportunities for young people and women. It can also bring economic activity to communities across the country. “At the same time, we must protect our natural environment, cultural heritage and traditions for future generations,” he said. Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026
Suicide blast targeting DI Khan checkpost claims 12 lives, injures 30
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A dozen people lost their lives while 35 others were injured on Saturday when a vehicle laden with explosives was rammed into the Aman Mela police checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan’s Darazinda tehsil, officials said. Separately, two rescue workers were killed and another was injured when a Rescue 1122 ambulance came under fire while transporting bodies of victims from the blast. DI Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghulam Mubashir Maken, citing an initial assessment, confirmed the casualties from the blast. He clarified that no law enforcement or security personnel were among the deceased, which included a Customs official and civilians. The deceased comprised nine men, two women and a minor. According to police and Rescue 1122 officials, an unidentified attacker rammed the explosives-laden tractor trolley into the checkpost. DI Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Ziauddin Ahmed confirmed that it was a suicide blast. The blast destroyed a large portion of the checkpost and completely demolished a house adjacent to the post. The intensity of the explosion was such that it was heard over a considerable distance, according to local officials and residents. Heavy firing was also heard following the blast. The Aman Mela checkpost, located near Mughal Kot and Darazinda on the DI Khan-Quetta Road, is used by police for security and checking along the route. It is situated close to the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to RPO Maken, 25 of the injured were taken to the district headquarters (DHQ) hospital. Meanwhile, District Excise Officer Faheem Wazir said Excise personnel present at the checkpost remained safe. A bomb disposal team was also sent to the site to determine the nature of the explosion and examine the scene, police said. DPO Ahmed and the superintendent of police for the Saddar area had reached the site soon after the explosion and supervised the rescue operation. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson noted that their teams were on the site for relief operations, but mobile phone services were unavailable in the area. Later in the day, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the search, recovery and relief operation at the site had been completed. More than 25 personnel, six ambulances and a fire vehicle took part in the relief operations, according to the rescue service. On the directions of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Mohammad Arif Khan, four additional ambulances with staff were dispatched from DI Khan to assist in evacuating the injured. 2 killed as ambulance comes under fire Rescue 1122 said two of its workers were killed while another was seriously injured when an ambulance transporting some bodies recovered from the blast site was targeted by unidentified assailants near Aman Mela. The deceased rescue workers were identified as Sharifullah and Imtiaz, while Anees sustained injuries in the firing, according to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson. The injured worker was provided immediate medical treatment and taken to a hospital. Despite the firing incident, rescue teams had continued the operation to transport the bodies and assist those affected by the blast. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan attributed the attack to Fitna al Khawarij, a term the state uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The report added that an operation by the security forces against the terrorists was underway. ‘Political priorities must reflect the pain of our people’ Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, in a video statement, condemned the attack and highlighted the funds allocated for police in KP’s budget. He also once again called for a “policy shift” on the federal government’s part regarding counterterrorism. Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought a report from senior officials on the incident and directed that every possible medical facility be provided to those injured. “The attack is a nefarious conspiracy by Fitna al-Hindustan Khawarij,” the governor said. The state refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. In the wake of the blast, Kundi also requested the PTI to call off its march to Islamabad planned for Oct 4. Tagging CM Afridi’s X account, he wrote: “For the sake of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and our people, let us put political differences aside and stand together as one. “Our people are paying the price in blood. They deserve solidarity, security and leadership focused on protecting their lives.” In an earlier post on X, Kundi said, “At a time when KP is mourning, political priorities must reflect the pain of our people.” He asserted that the provincial government “must take responsibility and put the security and lives of our people at the centre of its priorities”. “They do not need test matches or long marches. They need peace.” Condemnations President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the blast in a statement issued by the Presidency and expressed grief over the lives lost. The president ordered that the best medical facilities be provided to the injured, and that relief operations be made “more effective”. “Making innocent citizens and law enforcement personnel a target of terrorism is highly condemnable,” he was quoted as saying. “Operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, who perpetrate heinous acts with foreign support, must be made more effective.” Denouncing the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. He said the sacrifices of the nation’s guardians in the war against terrorism “will never be allowed to go in vain”. “The government is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” he was quoted as saying. In a statement issued by his ministry, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the “suicide blast at the anti-smuggling Aman Mela police checkpost” and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. “The cowardly acts of kharjis cannot weaken the nation’s firm resolve against terrorism,” he was quoted as saying, using a term the state employs to designate terrorists. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on the front lines of the fight against terrorism.” Naqvi noted that people from all walks of life have made sacrifices against terrorism, adding that the state deeply values the sacrifices of martyrs. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the “terrorist attack” in DI Khan, following the recent bloodshed in Kohat, was “another painful reminder of the terrorism threat Pakistan continues to confront”. “My deepest condolences to the families of our martyrs and prayers for the injured. The nation stands firmly with our courageous police, law-enforcement agencies and security forces,” he said. “Pakistan has defeated terrorism before, and we will defeat it again. Terrorists, their facilitators, financiers and sponsors will be held accountable and no territory beyond our borders will be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for terrorism against Pakistan,” he said. “We will neither be intimidated nor divided. Pakistan will prevail,” Bilawal said. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also condemned the blast at the “Customs joint check post”. Rise in terrorism KP has witnessed an increase in terrorist activity in recent months, with law enforcement agencies and security forces being targeted, prompting authorities to intensify counterterrorism operations. Earlier this month, police said they foiled an attack by TTP terrorists on a checkpost in DI Khan’s Daraban area. No casualties were reported among the police personnel. On Sept 18, a major attack in the old Police Lines in KP’s Kohat claimed 23 lives and injured about 100 others. Eight terrorists were killed during an overnight clearance operation. In response to that and other terrorist incidents, Pakistan days later conducted “calibrated” airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts, with the government saying over 28 terrorists were eliminated. Mainland KP, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August compared with 36 in July, representing an increase of 50 per cent, according to monthly data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operationsPresident Zardari approves ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. The ordinance aims to protect Safe City cameras and surveillance systems from damage and ensure compensation for any damage caused to them. Under the ordinance, financial penalties may be imposed for damaging Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure, as well as for inciting or encouraging such damage. The President’s Office announced the approval in a post on X, saying the ordinance was titled the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. In case of damage, a fine of up to Rs2 million may be imposed for each camera or piece of infrastructure. If the damage occurs during a public meeting, procession, sit-in, protest, strike or gathering, the organisers may also be held responsible, the Presidency added. The amount of the fine and the cost of the damage will be determined by an authorised officer after providing the person concerned with an opportunity to be heard. It further said the person concerned would have the right to appeal against the determination of the fine or cost of the damage before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days. In case of non-payment of the prescribed fine or compensation, the amount may be recovered as arrears of land revenue. The amount recovered in the form of fines and compensation will be spent on the repair and replacement of Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure, it added. The move to protect the infrastructure of the capital comes after the PTI deferred its planned protest to Islamabad until Oct 4 for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. Despite a large contingent of law enforcement personnel and the party’s claims of a peaceful protest, the miscreants damaged 441 cameras of Safe City Authority during the march to Islamabad in 2024, according to the officials.
19 terrorists killed, soldier martyred in operations in Balochistan: ISPR
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday that 19 terrorists had been killed and a soldier was martyred in several operations across Balochistan. In a statement, it said intelligence agencies had reported the presence of multiple hideouts of Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan in Quetta district’s Shaban area “posing a threat to the local population”. The state uses the term Fitna al Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. “In order to safeguard the local populace and clear the area of terrorists, security forces have been conducting a clearance operation in the general area of Shaban since Sept 21. During the operation, security forces effectively engaged and cleared multiple terrorist hideouts,” it said. “Following an intense exchange of fire, 13 Indian-sponsored terrorists have been killed so far. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the cleared hideouts. The clearance operation will continue until the complete neutralisation of the threat in the area,” it said. The ISPR statement went on to say that security forces also conducted “pre-emptive intelligence-based operations” in Kech and Quetta West, during separate engagements on Sept 22 and 23. “During the operations, troops effectively engaged the terrorists and, following an intense exchange of fire, six terrorists were killed,” it said, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered. It said that 39-year-old Subedar Muhammad Jamil, a resident of Taunsa Sharif, embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire. The statement said that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ would continue at full pace. “Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it concluded. President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations. In a statement, he said that the elimination of Indian-backed terrorists was a testament to the professionalism of the security forces. President Zardari also paid tribute to Subedar Jamil, saying that his sacrifice was a symbol of the security forces’ unwavering commitment to the nation’s peace and security. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also hailed the successful operations. “We commend the courage and professional capabilities of the security forces for killing 19 terrorists,” Naqvi said, adding that operations against those disrupting the peace in Balochistan were ongoing. Earlier in the day, Radio Pakistan had reported that security forces killed two terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in the Jausak area of Turbat. Pakistan Television had also reported that security forces continued operations against terrorists in Balochistan under Raddul Fitna-3. In Mastung, nine terrorists were killed after they attempted to attack a checkpost, according to the state broadcaster. Heavy weapons, ammunition and three motorcycles were also recovered, it added. “Operations will continue until the threat is eliminated,” Pakistan TV said, quoting the security forces. Terrorists killed in gun battle with police Meanwhile, Balochistan police killed five terrorists in a gun battle in Quetta’s Aghbarg area after terrorists attempted to attack a police station, officials said. Officials said the terrorists targeted the Aghbarg police station, located on the outskirts of Quetta, in the early hours of Wednesday. Police personnel deployed at the station immediately returned fire. “In a heavy exchange of fire, five terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed by police,” Saddar Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Janjua said. He added that police had foiled the attack and seized weapons and ammunition. According to Janjua, the attackers arrived in the area on motorcycles before targeting the police station. Separately, the Edhi Foundation said one of its ambulances was allegedly hijacked by armed men in Balochistan on Wednesday. In a statement, the foundation said the ambulance was returning to the Edhi Kalat Centre at around 7:15am after transporting the body of a woman from an area near Gidar, about 110 kilometres from Civil Hospital, Kalat. The foundation said unidentified armed men assaulted the Edhi worker and took control of the ambulance. On Tuesday, Radio Pakistan reported that six terrorists were killed and nine suspected individuals were arrested during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by security forces in Balochistan’s Saran Tangi area. On Monday, security forces killed four more terrorists belonging to a banned organisation in an intelligence-based operation carried out in two areas of Panjgur district. Last week, security forces killed 11 terrorists in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts. The number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operationsPakistan stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to “safeguarding” Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security in his message to the Gulf state on its National Day. The National Day, observed every year on September 23, marks the unification of the kingdom at the hands of King Abdulaziz in 1932. In a post on X, PM Shehbaz congratulated the country on its “remarkable journey of progress and transformation” and reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks on the country, in particular an attempted drone attack on Makkah. He held that threats to the security of the Haramain Sharifain “deeply wounds the sentiments of Muslims across the world”. “Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites,” PM Shehbaz stressed. He noted that under the “dynamic” leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabia continues to make impressive strides towards greater prosperity, modernisation and innovation. The premier added that the brotherhood between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was “growing into an even stronger strategic partnership, underpinned by our shared commitment to peace, security and the unity of the Muslim Ummah”. “Together, we have proudly signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” he added. Under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in Sept 2025, the two countries pledged that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. Meanwhile, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement — signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7 — empowers member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all. In his message, PM Shehbaz said, “I pray that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia brotherhood continues to grow from strength to strength.” President Zardari felicitates Saudi leadership President Asif Ali Zardari extended heartfelt felicitations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion. In a post on X by the presidency, President Zardari hailed two pacts between the two countries, saying they had “further strengthened the strategic dimension of the longstanding Pakistan-Saudi partnership”. The post mentioned two letters written by the president to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and quoted president as saying, “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share deep-rooted ties of faith, shared history, friendship, mutual trust and solidarity.” In his message, the president mentioned close relations between the two countries that were marked by strong cooperation and mutual support at bilateral, regional and international fora. He pointed out the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as “important milestones in the longstanding partnership, contributing to peace, stability and security in the region”. He expressed confidence that the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would “continue to deepen and expand across diverse areas of mutual interest for the mutual benefit” of the countries and their people. PM Shehbaz’s message comes amid fresh fighting between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, which has dragged in Riyadh, with the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade on the kingdom and targeting its ships in the Red Sea. On Sept 18, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry echoed similar remarks, saying Pakistan will go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia, adding that Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s security is “unconditional”. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also reaffirmed that Pakistan would “practically and diplomatically” stand by Saudi Arabia against Yemen’s Houthi rebels if the situation escalated.
Security forces kill 6 terrorists in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Saran Tangi
Six terrorists were killed and nine suspected individuals were arrested during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by security forces in Balochistan’s Saran Tangi area, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the operation was conducted under ‘Operation Shaban-2’. “According to security sources, the operation was conducted against terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan on the basis of intelligence information,” it said. The state has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. According to Radio Pakistan, a large cache of ammunition and weapons were also recovered from the possession of the terrorists. “Security forces are continuing operations against terrorists in the area, which will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” it said. President Asif Ali Zardari commended the “bravery and professional skills” of the security forces for “thwarting the terrorists’ objectives”. “The war against terrorism resulting from foreign interference will continue,” the president said, adding that Fitna al Hindustan and its facilitators will not succeed in harming Pakistan’s peace and stability. In a statement on X, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for the operation, saying they had successfully thwarted the nefarious designs of Fitna al Hindustan “The brave soldiers of the security forces are the pride of the nation,” Naqvi said, adding: “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces for the eradication of terrorism.” Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations. The number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. On Monday, security forces killed four more terrorists belonging to a banned organisation in an intelligence-based operation carried out in two areas of Panjgur district. Last week, security forces killed 11 terrorists in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations15 cops among 21 martyred in blast at Kohat Police Lines, more than 80 injured
PESHAWAR: At least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred on Friday when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines, followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities, according to senior police and district health officials. District Health Officer Dr Nasir Hassan Afridi confirmed the toll to Dawn, adding that more than 80 people were injured, with three in critical condition. Footage aired on television showed citizens gathered next to a building with a collapsed wall, digging through rubble and helping the injured. The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed told Dawn that a vehicle-borne suicide bomber initially struck the building’s gate, following which several attackers headed towards the Counter Terrorism Department building, where they were neutralised. Around three others went to the Special Branch building. An initial handout from IG Hameed said the explosion occurred at a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. It added that initial reports suggested an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the building. In a later statement, he said that a suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building, adding that an exchange of fire was underway with Fitna al Khawarij terrorists. “The operation will continue until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the IG was quoted as saying, adding that the police’s morale remained high. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. At around 3:30pm, police said the clearance operation was “in its final stages”. The statement detailed that seven terrorists had attempted to infiltrate Police Lines after the explosion. “So far, six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, have been killed,” the statement said. Separately, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report on the incident, saying the targeting of innocent citizens was “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” as per a statement issued by his office. Residents gather on a street leading to a police facility, where ambulances are parked following a suicide attack in Kohat on September 18. — Reuters He directed authorities to ensure immediate treatment for the injured. “The nation’s morale cannot be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying. In 2010, 20 people, mostly the relatives of policemen, were killed and more than 90 injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast inside a police colony located just behind the Kohat Police Lines. Condemnations pour in President Asif Ali Zardari, condemning the incident, vowed that the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorists was “essential for national security”. President Zardari wished the injured a swift recovery. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought a report on the blast from the concerned authorities. He also directed authorities to expedite relief operations, Radio Pakistan reported. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blast, praying for the recovery of the injured. “The entire nation stands with the security forces to eradicate terrorism,” he said in a statement. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in his condemnation that terrorists’ “cowardly acts cannot weaken the nation’s resolve”. A statement posted on his ministry’s X account said Naqvi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the attack and extended condolence to the bereaved. “The nation is standing with the families of the martyrs in this moment of grief,” he was quoted as saying. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
5 cops among 16 martyred in blast at Kohat Police Lines, more than 50 injured5 cops among 16 martyred in blast at Kohat Police Lines, more than 50 injured
PESHAWAR: Five cops were among 16 martyred in an explosion at Kohat Police Lines, according to officials. Footage aired on television showed citizens gathered next to a building with a collapsed wall, digging through rubble and helping the injured. The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen. Speaking to Dawn, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed the death toll, adding that more than 50 people were injured. He told Dawn that a vehicle-borne suicide bomber initially struck the building’s gate. He said that some headed towards the Counter Terrorism Department building, where they were neutralised, while around three went to the Special Branch building. An initial handout from IG Hameed said the explosion occurred at a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. It added that initial reports suggested an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the building. In a later statement, he said that a suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building, adding that an exchange of fire was underway with Fitna al Khawarij terrorists. “The operation will continue until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the IG was quoted as saying, adding that the police’s morale remained high. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. At around 3:30pm, police said the clearance operation was “in its final stages”. The statement detailed that seven terrorists had attempted to infiltrate Police Lines after the explosion. “So far, six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, have been killed,” the statement said. Separately, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report on the incident, saying the targeting of innocent citizens was “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” as per a statement issued by his office. He directed authorities to ensure immediate treatment for the injured. “The nation’s morale cannot be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying. In 2010, 20 people, mostly the relatives of policemen, were killed and more than 90 injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast inside a police colony located just behind the Kohat Police Lines. Condemnations pour in President Asif Ali Zardari, condemning the incident, vowed that the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorists was “essential for national security”. President Zardari wished the injured a swift recovery. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought a report on the blast from the concerned authorities. He also directed authorities to expedite relief operations, Radio Pakistan reported. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blast, praying for the recovery of the injured. “The entire nation stands with the security forces to eradicate terrorism,” he said in a statement. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
5 cops among 16 martyred in blast at Kohat Police Lines, more than 50 injuredPresident approves Tamgha-i-Shujaat for Pims nurse who saved newborn during deadly fire
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday gave his approval for conferring the Tamgha-i-Shujaat on Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) nurse Razia Noreen, who saved the life of a newborn during a fire at the facility that killed 14 infants. The announcement was made by the Presidency. It added that the president had also approved several bills, including the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Standard Time (Interpretation of References) Amendment Bill, 2026, and another related to the management of hazardous materials in ships. The August 26 fire at a nursery in Pims’ Mother and Child Hospital claimed the lives of 14 newborns. The incident raised concerns over fire safety measures and sparked calls for accountability, with criminal action being ordered against eight officials. CCTV footage of the incident showed Noreen entering the nursery as flames grew and emerging seconds later carrying a baby. She then attempted to re-enter the nursery shortly afterwards, but the fire had spread by then. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had awarded Noreen a Rs10 million cheque in recognition of her extraordinary bravery and sense of duty. In her remarks, Noreen said she was carrying out her responsibility, as people had entrusted the children to her at that moment and the responsibility rested on her shoulders. Meanwhile, a committee formed to probe the fire said on Wednesday the deadly blaze was most likely caused by a localised electrical failure, while also calling out the hospital management for systemic and institutional failure that turned the fire into a catastrophe. Citing CCTV footage, which established “an exceptionally rapid emergency”, the report also said the evidence “rejects any generalised allegation that frontline personnel abandoned the newborns”.
President approves Tamgha-i-Shujaat for Pims nurse who saved newborn during deadly fire'India started a war based on a lie and lost miserably': Bilawal reacts to Indian media's attempt to link Pakistan to terrorism
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday reacted to Indian media’s attempts to link Pakistan to terrorism, saying that the neighbouring country had “started a war based on a lie and lost miserably”, a reference to last year’s May conflict. Bilawal made the remarks on the social media platform X, while reacting to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s interview with an Indian media channel. In an interview with NDTV, Ibrahim — who was in India to attend the BRICS summit over the weekend — was asked if he considered Israel’s actions against Hamas terrorism. “Yes, it is terrorism,” Ibrahim replied. The host then asked if “by that token”, what “Pakistan has done against India and in Pahalgam” would be considered “terrorism”. “I would not go to that extent. I know it is very sensitive to say that in India. I’m a close friend of Modi ji, and we engage with the Pakistanis,” the Malaysian prime minister said. Asked why the Malaysian PM was “not as direct in criticising Pakistan for terrorism”, Ibrahim said: “Well, it has to be established.” He continued: “I mean, none of my intelligence establishment … would come back and tell me, ‘Anwar, yes, there was state-sponsored terrorism’. Therefore, I, as the prime minister of Malaysia, would then refer to this fact.” Reacting to the clip of the interview, Bilawal said on Monday: “Malaysian PM exposing Indian propaganda, in India on Indian TV. The truth is India started a war based on a lie and lost miserably.” He said that India now stood “exposed internationally”. “India must live up to its commitments made at the time of the ceasefire; to discuss all friction points with Pakistan. So we can together bring peace, prosperity and stability to our region,” he said. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. In April, on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had rejected a renewed Indian propaganda campaign linking it to the attack, deploring that the neighbouring country was focusing on “weaponising its false narrative” in the midst of a regional crisis sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.
'India started a war based on a lie and lost miserably': Bilawal reacts to Indian media's attempt to link Pakistan to terrorismShafqat Ali Khan presents diplomatic credentials as Pakistan’s first envoy to Armenia
Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first ambassador to Armenia, presented his letters of credence to President Vahagn Khachaturyan at a formal ceremony at the presidential palace, it emerged on Saturday. President Khachaturyan warmly welcomed Ambassador Khan, congratulated him on his appointment, and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure and the effective discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities. The president expressed his readiness to support efforts to further develop relationship between the countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Ambassador Khan conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Armenian president and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The two sides underscored the significant potential for expanding bilateral engagement, particularly in trade and investment, education, culture, people-to-people contacts, and other areas of economic cooperation. Earlier, Ambassador Khan called on Armenia Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan who welcomed him, congratulated him on the appointment, and wished him success in the discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities. The two sides reviewed the bilateral agenda, discussed avenues for expanding cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and international developments. Ambassador Khan also met Armenias’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mnatsakan Safaryan and handed over a copy of his letters of credence. The deputy minister noted that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries represented an important policy decision by the leadership of Pakistan and Armenia. The two sides discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums. Ambassador Khan’s engagements in Yerevan reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and Armenia to advancing bilateral relations and provided an opportunity to identify new avenues for cooperation across a broad range of mutually beneficial areas. He concurrently serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and as non-resident ambassador to Armenia. Pakistan and Armenia had established diplomatic relations in August 2025. Pakistan had been the only UN member state that withheld recognition of Armenia’s sovereignty since 1991, citing solidarity with Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
'Decisive phase': JI chief announces Islamabad march on Sept 20 against petroleum levy
GUJRANWALA: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Friday announced that the party would march towards Islamabad on September 20 against the petroleum levy, warning the government that the protest would enter its “decisive phase” on the streets of the federal capital if the levy was not withdrawn before the march. Addressing a public gathering in Gujranwala, Rehman said caravans from across the country would converge on Islamabad and urged the “Form-47 rulers” to “read the writing on the wall” and provide immediate relief to the people. “If the petroleum levy is not abolished before the long march begins, the decision will be made on the streets of Islamabad,” he said, adding that failure to meet public demands would force the JI to launch a movement to bring down the government. The government levies Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. The gathering was also addressed by JI Central Punjab Emir Javed Qasuri, Gujranwala Emir Mazhar Randhawa and other party leaders. Leaders of the JI Women’s Wing also attended the event. The JI’s sit-ins against the petroleum levy in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and dozens of other locations across the country entered their 27th day on Friday. Rehman also announced that he would address a women’s public gathering in Islamabad on Saturday and said the ongoing sit-ins would be expanded. Earlier, he chaired a meeting of party leaders from across the country at Mansoorah in Lahore, where the party discussed the next phase of its protest movement. Speaking in Gujranwala, Rehman said the JI had emerged as a source of hope for the people and added that rulers who had deprived the country of its rights for 79 years had now realised the party’s growing strength. He criticised the dominance of bureaucracy, feudal landlords and influential families in the country and said the working class was suffering while children were being forced into labour and deprived of education. Addressing the Sharif family, which has ruled Punjab for decades, he asked how much workers in their factories were being paid. The JI leader also criticised the provincial government over cases of violence and exploitation against women, alleging that around 6,500 such cases had been registered in Punjab but convictions had been secured in only a few. He challenged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to provide the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with a complete account of her income and expenditure after her recent remarks about travelling to London on a government aircraft at her own expense. The JI chief alleged that the Sharif and Zardari families were among those responsible for the exploitation of poor people and added that more than 40 per cent of Punjab’s population was living in poverty. Rehman also criticised the government over petroleum levy collections, claiming Rs1,567 billion had been collected from the public under the levy. He questioned why the government was imposing “jagga tax” on citizens while basic healthcare and education remained inaccessible to millions. He said successive governments since the 1990s had benefited independent power producers (IPPs), questioning why rulers were collecting additional taxes from citizens instead of reducing their own expenditures. Rehman also questioned the federal government’s continued budget allocations after the 18th Amendment transferred several powers and departments to the provinces. He called for an end to interest-based financial practices, citing a ruling by the Federal Shariat Court, and said even a partial reduction in interest payments could save the national exchequer thousands of billions of rupees. The party chief said the JI had raised these issues during talks with the government but added that the authorities had failed to provide satisfactory answers. “If the rulers have no answers, the people will now demand answers from them,” he said. On August 16, the JI announced sit-ins in all the provincial capitals of Pakistan against the petroleum levy. It had also called a nationwide strike on September 3.
Islamabad extends rare greeting to Pyongyang
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday made an unusual public diplomatic gesture towards North Korea, with President Asif Ali Zardari and the Foreign Office extending greetings to Pyongyang on the 78th anniversary of the country’s founding. In a letter to DPRK President Kim Jong Un on the 78th founding anniversary of the republic, President Zardari referred to the two countries’ “cordial relations based on mutual trust and goodwill” and expressed the hope that bilateral ties would continue to grow in the interests of both countries. The Foreign Office also issued a public message on X, extending its “warmest felicitations” to North Korea and tagging Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Pyongyang, which as per its own website is closed. Such public exchanges have been relatively uncommon in recent years as relations between the two countries have remained largely constrained. The Foreign Office, however, played down any unusual significance attached to the latest exchange. “Exchange of felicitation messages are a common practice,” FO spokesman Sajjad Haider Khan said in reply to a question from Dawn. Pakistan and North Korea established consular relations in 1968 and upgraded them to ambassadorial level four years later, but their relationship over past two decades has remained low key, particularly since international sanctions were imposed on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programmes. While Pakistan’s mission in Pyongyang is currently closed, North Korea continues to maintain its embassy in Islamabad and hosted its national day reception on Tuesday. Islamabad has been implementing UNSC sanctions against Pyongyang, including restrictions on trade and commercial dealings, suspension of Air Koryo flights, monitoring of North Korean diplomats’ activities and bank accounts, and stringent visa requirements even for diplomatic personnel. Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2026
Legal challenge launched against PTI’s planned march on Islamabad
• IHC CJ Dogar to take up petition against Sept 27 protest today • Petitioner fears disruption of routine life, traffic, and businesses, seeks court intervention against use of provincial resources for march • KP CM asks Karachi lawyers to join protest, says Imran not cutting any deals ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been moved against the PTI’s planned sit-in and nationwide protest scheduled for Sept 27, with the petitioner apprehending disruption of routine life, traffic and business activities in the federal capital. IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar will hear the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed on Tuesday. The petitioner has made the inspectors general of police of all four provinces, Islamabad Police and Motorway Police, besides other relevant government authorities, as respondents. According to the petition, the PTI has announced a sit-in in Islamabad on Sept 27, which could cause inconvenience to citizens and commuters and adversely affect business activities in the capital. The petitioner particularly raised concerns over the proposed participation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who, according to the PTI’s announcement, would lead the Islamabad-bound protest. The petition expressed apprehension that the resources and machinery of the provincial government could be utilised for political activity. It sought directions to the provincial authorities not to involve themselves in any political activity and to confine themselves to their official responsibilities. The petitioner also sought appropriate directions to the respondents to ensure that the rights of ordinary citizens, commuters and business communities were not affected by the proposed protest. The petition came ahead of the PTI’s preparations for its Sept 27 mobilisation, which the party leadership declared would not remain confined to Islamabad. CM invites lawyers KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi spent the past few days in Sindh to mobilise the party supporters for the Sept 27 protest. Speaking at a convention organised by the Sindh High Court Bar Association on Monday, the CM, who reached Karachi despite hurdles, invited lawyers to participate in the PTI protest and maintained that his leader Imran Khan was standing firm for the future of the country and was not striking any deal for his release. He said the Islamabad High Court had ordered his meeting with the party founder, while the Supreme Court had ordered hospitalisation of former premier, but that was to no avail. He added the judiciary was reluctant to timely fix the contempt applications for hearings. The CM also complained about the obstacles on the route of his convoy. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari posted a welcome message on social media while his party’s government in Sindh placed obstacles in the way of his convoy and arrested the participants. The CM apologised to the people of Sindh and Karachi for the inconvenience caused by his convoy’s movement. He, however, said the province already lacked adequate infrastructure and that even the available thoroughfares had been blocked. Sept 27 protest According to PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, the party’s call for Sept 27 is aimed at mobilising people across the country for the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, and release of PTI founder Imran Khan. He had clarified that demonstrations would be held in every city and district, maintaining that peaceful protest was a constitutional and legal right. “The people from every province and district would take to the streets as a nationwide, peaceful movement for their rights and the supremacy of the Constitution and law,” he had said. Mr Raja had further said that the Sept 27 protest would be “Pakistan’s voice” and that the party would exercise what it considered its constitutional and legal right to hold peaceful demonstrations. He had also confirmed that KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would lead the Sept 27 long march towards Islamabad, describing the planned mobilisation as a nationwide movement. The preparations for the mobilisation have also seen the emergence of a volunteer organisation among PTI workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last week, a group of ideological PTI workers announced the formation of a volunteer unit called ‘Pasdaran-i-Azm Imran Khan Pakistan’ to assist participants and provide support during the Sept 27 long march. The announcement was made by PTI leader Daniyal Khan Afridi, along with other party workers, at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club. Ishaq Tanoli in Karachi also contributed to this report Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026
President’s London tour sets tongues wagging
ISLAMABAD: Amid the ongoing debate over the creation of new provinces and the PPP’s outright rejection of the proposal, President Asif Ali Zardari’s extended presence in London has raised questions about the political dimensions of the tour, particularly when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had recently floated the idea, is also in the UK. While some believe the president travelled to London solely for a medical check-up, others view the visit as a political move aimed at putting pressure on the government. An official video clip of Mr Naqvi’s meeting with President Zardari also generated discussion about the president’s position. After all, it was the interior minister who ignited the fresh debate through his diatribe about the collapse of the existing governance system, and called for a ‘reset’. Following his London sojourn, Mr Naqvi recently doubled down on his demand for new administrative units. Addressing a National Policy Dialogue on ‘Devolution of Powers and Good Governance in Pakistan’ at the University of Management and Technology on Saturday, Mr Naqvi clarified that his proposed “reset” did not mean a change of government or political party, rather a comprehensive review and restructuring of the administrative system to make it responsive to the needs of citizens. He even called for a debate on granting provincial status to Islamabad, saying residents of the federal capital did not receive a share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. ‘Apolitical’ trip The president’s meeting with the interior minister was followed by gatherings of senior PPP leaders with Mr Zardari in London and, subsequently, the passage of a resolution by the Sindh Assembly rejecting the creation of new provinces. The sequence of events has led to speculation that the PPP’s position was discussed during the London meetings and that the Sindh Assembly resolution was adopted with the president’s consent. The issue of President Zardari’s ‘Euro trip’ and his meeting with the interior minister and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was also raised at last week’s Foreign Office briefing. However, the FO spokesperson did not respond, instead referring the question to the Presidency. When contacted, President Zardari’s spokesperson Murtaza Solangi told Dawn he was unaware of the details of the president’s visit, or when he would return to the country. “It is solely a private visit. I never seek details of his private visits,” he said. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari also maintained that the president had travelled to London only for a medical check-up and that there was nothing political about the trip. Responding to a question about Mr Zardari’s meeting with Mr Naqvi, he said the interior minister had maintained a close association with the president for a long time. “There was nothing serious if the minister met Zardari sahib to inquire about his health,” he said. Another PPP source, however, confirmed that the president’s visit had reasons beyond his medical treatment. PPP leaders meet Zardari The source said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Dr Asim Hussain, considered close confidants of the president, also joined him later in the UK. “President Zardari has conveyed a clear message to the government through passage of a resolution in Sindh Assembly that he and his party ruling in Sindh reject any plan to create new provinces,” the source said. According to the source, the PPP had initially agreed in principle to the creation of two new provinces in Punjab — south Punjab and Bahawalpur — but changed its position after the government began considering the creation of new federating units in all four existing provinces. The party subsequently opposed the broader proposal, and has recently questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s silence on the politically sensitive issue of creating new provinces and sought a clear position from him. The party had initially not opposed the idea of creating additional federating units, but insisted that any such move should be undertaken in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Constitution. Now, it is openly opposing the proposal, with the PPP-led Sindh government securing passage of a resolution in the provincial assembly rejecting any further division of the country’s four existing provinces. The development is politically significant because, although the PML-N-led government enjoys a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, it relies on PPP support. If the PPP withdraws that support, implementing any constitutional amendment aimed at creating new provinces would become considerably more difficult. IPP chief slams govt Adding to the growing criticism from within the ruling coalition, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, who belongs to another government ally, the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP), also criticised the government on Sunday over what he described as its poor performance. He said people were not being provided with basic necessities and that no one who genuinely loved the country could be satisfied with the existing system. Mr Khan pointed to shortages of clean drinking water, deteriorating hospitals and the large number of children deprived of education. He also highlighted the poor condition of schools across the country. In a message on X, Mr Khan said people remained deprived of basic facilities while their hardships were increasing day by day. “If the provinces were delivering effectively under the existing system, why would the people be in such a condition?” he asked. He said there was a need to set aside prejudice and examine the actual condition of the people, arguing that the public was frustrated and deprived of basic amenities. Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2026
Zerdari'nin Londra'da Uzayan Kalışı Siyasi Soru İşaretleri YarattıKP CM Sohail Afridi says he won't leave Sindh without holding Karachi rally
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday said he would not leave Sindh without holding a planned PTI gathering in Karachi, as his convoy made its way to the city. The KP CM, accompanied by PTI’s provincial President Junaid Akbar, has been on a five-day public mobilisation campaign in Sindh for the party’s September 27 nationwide protest for the release of its founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital. Earlier in the day, the KP chief minister addressed party supporters in Tando Allahyar and Hyderabad, complaining that authorities were creating hurdles in his convoy’s route. Speaking to reporters at night while en route to Karachi, Afridi said he would stay in Sindh until he held a rally in the provincial capital. “If we cannot reach Karachi today, God willing, we will hold the rally tomorrow; if not tomorrow, then the day after. “I will not take a single step out of Sindh without launching a street movement in Karachi. I will stay here until the objective is achieved.” Referring to Saturday’s comments by PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the KP CM said, “We are welcomed on social media, while on the other hand, roadblocks are being erected along our route. “I have already asked Bilawal that if he is not having all this done, then he should tell us who is doing it. Bring their names forward, then we will see what they do and what we do. “The people of Sindh will question you, because the government and police are all under your watch. If the police are not doing this, then remove the police from the scene and let whoever is responsible come forward,” Afridi contended. In a social media post on X, shared at around 11:15pm, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh said the caravan would “reach Karachi in any way by defying all the hurdles”. In a post at 9:44pm, Sheikh said, “We are present at extremely deserted, raw paths in the interior. God willing, we will definitely reach Karachi.” In earlier posts on his X account, Sheikh said he was “clearing obstacles” that his convoy faced on Kotri bridge on the way out of Hyderabad. Karachi’s District East police, in a statement, said that “no public gatherings, rallies or processions will be allowed around Mazar-i-Quaid”, located at Shahrah-i-Quaideen, where the PTI has planned its rally. “If any gathering is held despite the lack of permission, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” it warned. Security arrangements at Mazar-i-Quaid had been “further strengthened in view of the current threat situation”, the police statement added, noting the deployment of additional police personnel. “Surveillance at the entry and exit points of Mazar-i-Quaid has also been further tightened.” Routes blocked near Mazar-i-Quaid as of 10pm on Sept 6, 2026. — screengrab via Google Maps While the Karachi Traffic Police cited “security” for closing some routes around Mazar-i-Quaid, a senior police officer told Dawn that the closures had nothing to do with the PTI rally. The officer, who wished not to be named, said the roads leading to Mazar-i-Quaid were closed with containers as security agencies had issued a security threat. The police officer said that the district administration had not given permission to the political party to hold a rally at the Mazar-i-Quaid because of the security threat. However, the party may hold a rally on the Super Highway at Toll Plaza or near Jail Chowrangi as there were no “restrictions” on them for holding the same at the said venues. The senior officer said several party supporters were detained when they attempted to reach the Mazar-i-Quaid on Sunday evening. He said around 150-200 workers of the PTI gathered, adding that the police tried to stop them but they “resorted to attacking the policemen with stones, resulting in injuries to one policeman”. “The law enforcers resorted to shelling to disperse them,” the police officer said, adding that a few party workers were also detained during the action. A traffic police official, who wished to remain anonymous, also told Dawn that certain roads had been blocked in the metropolis because of a “red alert” issued by law enforcement authorities. As of 6pm, the traffic police said both sides of Shahrah-i-Quaideen had been closed to traffic for “security”. As an alternative, traffic from Noorani Chowrangi was being diverted towards Khalid Bin Waleed Road, while traffic approaching Allah Wali Chowrangi was being diverted towards Tariq Road. Shortly after 4pm, New MA Jinnah Road and the road near the Corridor-III parking plaza towards PP Chowrangi and Jail Chowrangi had been closed to traffic from both sides for security. Traffic was being diverted from Saddar Dawakhana towards the Star Gate side, while traffic from Jail Chowrangi was being diverted towards Kashmir Road and Tariq Road. Afridi assails Punjab CM in Hyderabad speech Earlier in the day, CM Afridi addressed a huge welcome rally at Hyder Chowk in Hyderabad. “Who does Hyderabad belong to?”, Afridi roared amidst applause from the crowd, whom he thanked for turning up to welcome him. PTI leaders Aminulalh Musakhel, Mohsin Ghulam, Faisal Mughal and Usama Hafeez were among those present. “There are only two families ruling Pakistan – one from Sindh and the other from Punjab – but it was only PTI whose leader Imran Khan chose me, an ordinary worker, to be the KP CM,” Afridi said, referring to the PPP and PML-N. “Tomorrow another worker is to become chief minister from PTI,” he added. He urged youth to rise for their country and for themselves. “September 27 would mark a historic date and change the destiny of Pakistan,” he asserted, referring to the planned countrywide protest. He assailed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her recent remarks regarding other provinces and demanded an apology from her. Maryam had said on Saturday that Punjab faced a greater security threat from its neighbouring provinces than it did from India. “Please tell us who is right,” the KP CM said, addressing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general as he highlighted the military’s stance that India backed terrorist groups’ activities in Pakistan. Accusing the Sharif family of tax evasion and having properties abroad, Afridi said, “These people were sincere neither in the past nor today and they will not be sincere tomorrow.” Addressing the gathering, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that his party had faced enough cases, contending that courts’ doors have been shut on it. Raja described September 27 as the day of “true freedom” for people. The PTI confirmed shortly after 5:30pm that the central leadership’s convoy led by CM Afridi had entered Hyderabad district. Address in Tando Allahyar Earlier, on his way to Hyderabad, Afridi addressed PTI workers in Tando Allahyar. While thanking PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for welcoming him to Sindh on social media, Afridi alleged that hurdles were being created for his convoy. “My message for Bilawal Bhutto is that obstructions are being raised in our way,” the KP CM said, affirming that people were still with PTI despite those hurdles. “Containers are being placed and craters are being dug,” he claimed. “Is this being done by your [PPP] government or by someone else?” Afridi asked. “Will they host their guests in this manner?” he added. The PTI leader urged party supporters and workers to join the planned September 27 rallies across the country. In a video shared on X, CM Afridi said that it was “possible they might have created some hurdles in the way”, but the party convoy would defy them to reach Hyderabad, and then finally Karachi. Thanking the people from Umerkot for their support yesterday, the PTI leader also asked the people of Hyderabad to be prepared for the PTI caravan. “After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” the KP CM declared. ‘Political theatrics’ In a statement, the PTI condemned the alleged blocking of its caravan travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi and also claimed its party workers in multiple cities of Sindh had been taken into custody. The statement marked a turn from Saturday’s cordial exchange on social media between CM Afridi and Bilawal. “On the one hand, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomes Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s visit to Sindh on social media; on the other hand, the Sindh government, under his influence, is using the police to block roads and arrest PTI workers,” the PTI said. It termed the alleged actions a “manifestation of the PPP’s blatant political hypocrisy and fear”. “If the PPP truly believes in democracy and political freedom, then why is it so afraid of a peaceful PTI political rally?” PTI asked. PTI asserted that the police deployments, barriers and arrests could not prevent its party workers and the people of Sindh from exercising their political rights. “The PTI leadership made it clear that the people of Sindh are not slaves to feudal or dynastic politics. They have the right to welcome leaders of the political party of their choice, voice their concerns and express their political opinion,” the party maintained. It demanded that the PPP chairman direct his Sindh government to ensure “political freedom in practice”. “If the welcome is limited to Twitter while police arrest workers on the ground, this is not democracy but political theatrics.” The party also demanded the immediate release of all workers allegedly taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, as well as an end to any obstruction to the PTI’s political activities. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who was accompanying the KP CM, shared a video of him driving a truck, which he claimed was placed to block his convoy’s route in Tando Allahyar. Sheikh later shared videos of what he described as the people of Hyderabad welcoming the PTI convoy. ‘Politics of tolerance’ On Saturday night, Afridi thanked Bilawal after the latter wished him the best for the rest of his visit to Sindh. In a post on X, the PPP leader welcomed Afridi to the “city of martyrs” after the KP chief minister reached Larkana. “Best wishes for the remainder of your tour across Sindh. We must ultimately return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence, the foundation of any democracy,” Bilawal wrote. In response, Afridi thanked him and noted that the “beauty of democracy is in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free”. He also expressed hope that a large crowd would come out on the PTI’s call in Karachi and Hyderabad, where he is due today. Last time Afridi was in Sindh to mobilise people for a street movement, he had initially praised the PPP-led Sindh government’s reception, saying the democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto still thrived in the province. However, he had later accused the Sindh government of not upholding the honour of the ajrak and topi and criticised its treatment of its “guests”. Ahead of Afridi’s rally in Karachi on January 11, the party had alleged that the KP CM had to face obstacles on his way to the metropolis. The party also accused the authorities of violence against its workers and supporters.
KP Başbakanı Afridi: Karaçi mitingi yapmadan Sindh'ten ayrılmayacağızKP CM says won't leave Sindh without holding Karachi rally as PTI convoy en route to city
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday said he would not leave Sindh without holding a planned PTI gathering in Karachi, as his convoy made its way to the city from Hyderabad. The KP CM, accompanied by PTI’s provincial President Junaid Akbar, has been on a five-day public mobilisation campaign in Sindh for the party’s September 27 nationwide protest for the release of its founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital. Speaking to reporters at night while en route to Karachi, Afridi said he would stay in Sindh until he held a rally in the provincial capital. “If we cannot reach Karachi today, God willing, we will hold the rally tomorrow; if not tomorrow, then the day after. “I will not take a single step out of Sindh without launching a street movement in Karachi. I will stay here until the objective is achieved.” Referring to Saturday’s comments by PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the KP CM said, “We are welcomed on social media, while on the other hand, roadblocks are being erected along our route. “I have already asked Bilawal that if he is not having all this done, then he should tell us who is doing it. Bring their names forward, then we will see what they do and what we do. “The people of Sindh will question you, because the government and police are all under your watch. If the police are not doing this, then remove the police from the scene and let whoever is responsible come forward,” Afridi contended. Afridi assails Punjab CM in Hyderabad speech Earlier in the day, CM Afridi addressed a huge welcome rally at Hyder Chowk in Hyderabad. “Who does Hyderabad belong to?”, Afridi roared amidst applause from the crowd, whom he thanked for turning up to welcome him. PTI leaders Aminulalh Musakhel, Mohsin Ghulam, Faisal Mughal and Usama Hafeez were among those present. “There are only two families ruling Pakistan – one from Sindh and the other from Punjab – but it was only PTI whose leader Imran Khan chose me, an ordinary worker, to be the KP CM,” Afridi said, referring to the PPP and PML-N. “Tomorrow another worker is to become chief minister from PTI,” he added. He urged youth to rise for their country and for themselves. “September 27 would mark a historic date and change the destiny of Pakistan,” he asserted, referring to the planned countrywide protest. He assailed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her recent remarks regarding other provinces and demanded an apology from her. Maryam had said on Saturday that Punjab faced a greater security threat from its neighbouring provinces than it did from India. “Please tell us who is right,” the KP CM said, addressing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general as he highlighted the military’s stance that India backed terrorist groups’ activities in Pakistan. Accusing the Sharif family of tax evasion and having properties abroad, Afridi said, “These people were sincere neither in the past nor today and they will not be sincere tomorrow.” Addressing the gathering, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that his party had faced enough cases, contending that courts’ doors have been shut on it. Raja described September 27 as the day of “true freedom” for people. The PTI confirmed shortly after 5:30pm that the central leadership’s convoy led by CM Afridi had entered Hyderabad district. Address in Tando Allahyar Earlier, on his way to Hyderabad, Afridi addressed PTI workers in Tando Allahyar. While thanking PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for welcoming him to Sindh on social media, Afridi alleged that hurdles were being created for his convoy. “My message for Bilawal Bhutto is that obstructions are being raised in our way,” the KP CM said, affirming that people were still with PTI despite those hurdles. “Containers are being placed and craters are being dug,” he claimed. “Is this being done by your [PPP] government or by someone else?” Afridi asked. “Will they host their guests in this manner?” he added. The PTI leader urged party supporters and workers to join the planned September 27 rallies across the country. In a video shared on X, CM Afridi said that it was “possible they might have created some hurdles in the way”, but the party convoy would defy them to reach Hyderabad, and then finally Karachi. Thanking the people from Umerkot for their support yesterday, the PTI leader also asked the people of Hyderabad to be prepared for the PTI caravan. “After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” the KP CM declared. ‘Political theatrics’ In a statement, the PTI condemned the alleged blocking of its caravan travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi and also claimed its party workers in multiple cities of Sindh had been taken into custody. The statement marked a turn from Saturday’s cordial exchange on social media between CM Afridi and Bilawal. “On the one hand, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomes Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s visit to Sindh on social media; on the other hand, the Sindh government, under his influence, is using the police to block roads and arrest PTI workers,” the PTI said. It termed the alleged actions a “manifestation of the PPP’s blatant political hypocrisy and fear”. “If the PPP truly believes in democracy and political freedom, then why is it so afraid of a peaceful PTI political rally?” PTI asked. PTI asserted that the police deployments, barriers and arrests could not prevent its party workers and the people of Sindh from exercising their political rights. “The PTI leadership made it clear that the people of Sindh are not slaves to feudal or dynastic politics. They have the right to welcome leaders of the political party of their choice, voice their concerns and express their political opinion,” the party maintained. It demanded that the PPP chairman direct his Sindh government to ensure “political freedom in practice”. “If the welcome is limited to Twitter while police arrest workers on the ground, this is not democracy but political theatrics.” The party also demanded the immediate release of all workers allegedly taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, as well as an end to any obstruction to the PTI’s political activities. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who was accompanying the KP CM, shared a video of him driving a truck, which he claimed was placed to block his convoy’s route in Tando Allahyar. Sheikh later shared videos of what he described as the people of Hyderabad welcoming the PTI convoy. ‘Politics of tolerance’ On Saturday night, Afridi thanked Bilawal after the latter wished him the best for the rest of his visit to Sindh. In a post on X, the PPP leader welcomed Afridi to the “city of martyrs” after the KP chief minister reached Larkana. “Best wishes for the remainder of your tour across Sindh. We must ultimately return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence, the foundation of any democracy,” Bilawal wrote. In response, Afridi thanked him and noted that the “beauty of democracy is in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free”. He also expressed hope that a large crowd would come out on the PTI’s call in Karachi and Hyderabad, where he is due today. Last time Afridi was in Sindh to mobilise people for a street movement, he had initially praised the PPP-led Sindh government’s reception, saying the democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto still thrived in the province. However, he had later accused the Sindh government of not upholding the honour of the ajrak and topi and criticised its treatment of its “guests”. Ahead of Afridi’s rally in Karachi on January 11, the party had alleged that the KP CM had to face obstacles on his way to the metropolis. The party also accused the authorities of violence against its workers and supporters.
KP Başbakanı Afridi: Karaçi mitingi yapmadan Sindh'ten ayrılmayacağızKP CM determined to hold Karachi rally as PTI convoy en route to city
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was en route to Karachi from Hyderabad on Sunday after he voiced his determination to hold his planned rally despite alleged hurdles in his convoy’s journey. The KP CM, accompanied by PTI’s provincial President Junaid Akbar, has been on a five-day public mobilisation campaign in Sindh for the party’s September 27 nationwide protest for the release of its founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital. The PTI confirmed shortly after 5:30pm that the central leadership’s convoy led by CM Afridi had entered Hyderabad district. Upon his arrival in Hyderabad, CM Afridi addressed a public rally, wherein he lashed out against the PML-N and PPP. “There are only two families ruling Pakistan – one from Sindh and the other from Punjab – but it was only PTI whose leader Imran Khan chose me, an ordinary worker, to be the KP CM,” he said, referring to the PPP and PML-N. “Tomorrow another worker is to become chief minister from PTI,” he added. He urged youth to rise for their country and for themselves. “September 27 would mark a historic date and change the destiny of Pakistan,” he asserted, referring to the planned countrywide protest. He assailed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her recent remarks regarding other provinces and demanded an apology from her. Maryam had said on Saturday that Punjab faced a greater security threat from its neighbouring provinces than it did from India. “Please tell us who is right,” the KP CM said, addressing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general as he highlighted the military’s stance that India backed terrorist groups’ activities in Pakistan. Accusing the Sharif family of tax evasion and having properties abroad, Afridi said, “These people were sincere neither in the past nor today and they will not be sincere tomorrow.” Addressing the rally, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that his party had faced enough cases, contending that courts’ doors have been shut on it. Raja described September 27 as the day of “true freedom” for people. ‘No rallies allowed’ Karachi’s District East police, in a statement, said that “no public gatherings, rallies or processions will be allowed around Mazar-i-Quaid”, located at Shahrah-i-Quaideen, where the PTI has planned its rally. “If any gathering is held despite the lack of permission, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” it warned. Security arrangements at Mazar-i-Quaid had been “further strengthened in view of the current threat situation”, the police statement added, noting the deployment of additional police personnel. “Surveillance at the entry and exit points of Mazar-i-Quaid has also been further tightened.” Meanwhile, the Karachi Traffic Police detailed that some routes around Mazar-i-Quaid had been closed to vehicles. As of 6pm, the traffic police said the both sides of Shahrah-i-Quaideen had been closed for traffic for “security”. Routes blocked near Mazar-i-Quaid as of around 7pm on Sept 6, 2026. — screengrab via Google Maps As an alternative, traffic from Noorani Chowrangi was being diverted towards Khalid Bin Waleed Road, while traffic approaching Allah Wali Chowrangi was being diverted towards Tariq Road. Shortly after 4pm, New MA Jinnah Road and the road near the Corridor-III parking plaza towards PP Chowrangi and Jail Chowrangi had been closed to traffic from both sides for security. Traffic was being diverted from Saddar Dawakhana towards the Star Gate side, while traffic from Jail Chowrangi was being diverted towards Kashmir Road and Tariq Road. Address in Tando Allahyar Earlier, on his way to Hyderabad, Afridi addressed PTI workers in Tando Allahyar. While thanking PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for welcoming him to Sindh on social media, Afridi alleged that hurdles were being created for his convoy. “My message for Bilawal Bhutto is that obstructions are being raised in our way,” the KP CM said, affirming that people were still with PTI despite those hurdles. “Containers are being placed and craters are being dug,” he claimed. “Is this being done by your [PPP] government or by someone else?” Afridi asked. “Will they host their guests in this manner?” he added. The PTI leader urged party supporters and workers to join the planned September 27 rallies across the country. In a video shared on X, CM Afridi said that it was “possible they might have created some hurdles in the way”, but the party convoy would defy them to reach Hyderabad, and then finally Karachi. Thanking the people from Umerkot for their support yesterday, the PTI leader also asked the people of Hyderabad to be prepared for the PTI caravan. “After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” the KP CM declared. ‘Political theatrics’ In a statement, the PTI condemned the alleged blocking of its caravan travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi and also claimed its party workers in multiple cities of Sindh had been taken into custody. The statement marked a turn from Saturday’s cordial exchange on social media between CM Afridi and Bilawal. “On the one hand, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomes Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s visit to Sindh on social media; on the other hand, the Sindh government, under his influence, is using the police to block roads and arrest PTI workers,” the PTI said. It termed the alleged actions a “manifestation of the PPP’s blatant political hypocrisy and fear”. “If the PPP truly believes in democracy and political freedom, then why is it so afraid of a peaceful PTI political rally?” PTI asked. PTI asserted that the police deployments, barriers and arrests could not prevent its party workers and the people of Sindh from exercising their political rights. “The PTI leadership made it clear that the people of Sindh are not slaves to feudal or dynastic politics. They have the right to welcome leaders of the political party of their choice, voice their concerns and express their political opinion,” the party maintained. It demanded that the PPP chairman direct his Sindh government to ensure “political freedom in practice”. “If the welcome is limited to Twitter while police arrest workers on the ground, this is not democracy but political theatrics.” The party also demanded the immediate release of all workers allegedly taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, as well as an end to any obstruction to the PTI’s political activities. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who was accompanying the KP CM, shared a video of him driving a truck, which he claimed was placed to block his convoy’s route in Tando Allahyar. Sheikh later shared videos of what he described as the people of Hyderabad welcoming the PTI convoy. ‘Politics of tolerance’ On Saturday night, Afridi thanked Bilawal after the latter wished him the best for the rest of his visit to Sindh. In a post on X, the PPP leader welcomed Afridi to the “city of martyrs” after the KP chief minister reached Larkana. “Best wishes for the remainder of your tour across Sindh. We must ultimately return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence, the foundation of any democracy,” Bilawal wrote. In response, Afridi thanked him and noted that the “beauty of democracy is in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free”. He also expressed hope that a large crowd would come out on the PTI’s call in Karachi and Hyderabad, where he is due today. Last time Afridi was in Sindh to mobilise people for a street movement, he had initially praised the PPP-led Sindh government’s reception, saying the democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto still thrived in the province. However, he had later accused the Sindh government of not upholding the honour of the ajrak and topi and criticised its treatment of its “guests”. Ahead of Afridi’s rally in Karachi on January 11, the party had alleged that the KP CM had to face obstacles on his way to the metropolis. The party also accused the authorities of violence against its workers and supporters.
KP CM determined to hold Karachi rally as PTI convoy reaches Hyderabad
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday voiced his determination to hold a rally in Karachi despite any possible hurdles as his convoy reached Hyderabad. The KP CM, accompanied by PTI’s provincial President Junaid Akbar, has been on a five-day public mobilisation campaign in Sindh for the party’s September 27 nationwide protest for the release of its founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital. The PTI confirmed shortly after 5:30pm that the central leadership’s convoy led by CM Afridi had entered Hyderabad district. Earlier, while on his way to Hyderabad, Afridi addressed PTI workers in Tando Allahyar. While thanking PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for welcoming him to Sindh on social media, Afridi said hurdles were being created in his convoy’s journey. “My message for Bilawal Bhutto is that obstructions are being raised in our way,” the KP CM said, affirming that people were still with PTI despite those hurdles. “Containers are being placed and craters are being dug,” he claimed. “Is this being done by your [PPP] government or by someone else?” Afridi asked. “Will they host their guests in this manner?” he said. The PTI leader urged party supporters and workers to join the planned September 27 rally. In a video shared on X, CM Afridi said that it was “possible they might have created some hurdles in the way”, but the party convoy would defy them to reach Hyderabad, and then finally Karachi. Thanking the people from Umerkot for their support yesterday, the PTI leader also asked the people of Hyderabad to be prepared for the PTI caravan. “After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” the KP CM declared. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who was accompanying the KP CM, shared a video of him driving a truck, which he claimed was placed to block his convoy’s route in Tando Allahyar. Sheikh later shared videos of what he described as the people of Hyderabad welcoming the PTI convoy. Meanwhile, in a statement, the PTI condemned the alleged blocking of its rally travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi and also claimed its party workers in multiple cities of Sindh had been taken into custody. The statement marked a turn from Saturday’s exchange on social media between CM Afridi and Bilawal. “On the one hand, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomes Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s visit to Sindh on social media; on the other hand, the Sindh government, under his influence, is using the police to block roads and arrest PTI workers,” the PTI said. It termed the alleged actions a “manifestation of the PPP’s blatant political hypocrisy and fear”. “If the PPP truly believes in democracy and political freedom, then why is it so afraid of a peaceful PTI political rally?” PTI asked. PTI asserted that the police deployments, barriers and arrests could not prevent its party workers and the people of Sindh from exercising their political rights. “The PTI leadership made it clear that the people of Sindh are not slaves to feudal or dynastic politics. They have the right to welcome leaders of the political party of their choice, voice their concerns and express their political opinion,” the party maintained. It demanded that the PPP chairman direct his Sindh government to ensure “political freedom in practice”. “If the welcome is limited to Twitter while police arrest workers on the ground, this is not democracy but political theatrics.” The party also demanded the immediate release of all workers allegedly taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, as well as an end to any obstruction to the PTI’s political activities. ‘Politics of tolerance’ On Saturday night, Afridi thanked Bilawal after the latter wished him the best for the rest of his visit to Sindh. In a post on X, the PPP leader welcomed Afridi to the “city of martyrs” after the KP chief minister reached Larkana. “Best wishes for the remainder of your tour across Sindh. We must ultimately return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence, the foundation of any democracy,” Bilawal wrote. In response, Afridi thanked him and noted that the “beauty of democracy is in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free”. He also expressed hope that a large crowd would come out on the PTI’s call in Karachi and Hyderabad, where he is due today. Last time Afridi was in Sindh to mobilise people for a street movement, he had initially praised the PPP-led Sindh government’s reception, saying the democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto still thrived in the province. However, he had later accused the Sindh government of not upholding the honour of the ajrak and topi and criticised its treatment of its “guests”. Ahead of Afridi’s rally in Karachi on January 11, the party had alleged that the KP CM had to face obstacles on his way to the metropolis. The party also accused the authorities of violence against its workers and supporters.
KP CM determined to hold Karachi rally as PTI convoy en route to Hyderabad
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday voiced his determination to hold a rally in Karachi despite any possible hurdles as his convoy reached Tando Allahyar. The KP CM, accompanied by PTI’s provincial President Junaid Akbar, has been on a five-day public mobilisation campaign in Sindh for the party’s September 27 nationwide protest for the release of its founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital. While the PTI in a statement alleged that routes were blocked for its caravan “travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi”, the police denied any such move. Hyderabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shahzeb Chachar told Dawn that there was no blockade at Tandojam Toll Plaza, which connects Hyderabad with Tando Allahyar district, “as far as the KP CM’s rally in Hyderabad was concerned”. In a video recorded in a car, CM Afridi said that it was “possible they might have created some hurdles in the way”, but the party convoy would defy them to reach Hyderabad, and then finally Karachi. Thanking the people from Umerkot for their support yesterday, the PTI leader also asked the people of Hyderabad to be prepared for the PTI caravan. “After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” the KP CM declared. PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who was accompanying the KP CM, shared a video of him driving a truck, which he claimed was placed to block his convoy’s route in Tando Allahyar. Sheikh later shared videos of what he described as the people of Hyderabad welcoming the PTI convoy. In a statement, the PTI condemned the alleged blocking of its rally travelling from Hyderabad to Karachi and also claimed its party workers in multiple cities of Sindh had been taken into custody. The statement marked a turn from Saturday’s exchange on social media between CM Afridi and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. “On the one hand, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomes Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s visit to Sindh on social media; on the other hand, the Sindh government, under his influence, is using the police to block roads and arrest PTI workers,” the PTI said. It termed the alleged actions a “manifestation of the PPP’s blatant political hypocrisy and fear”. “If the PPP truly believes in democracy and political freedom, then why is it so afraid of a peaceful PTI political rally?” PTI asked. PTI asserted that the police deployments, barriers and arrests could not prevent its party workers and the people of Sindh from exercising their political rights. “The PTI leadership made it clear that the people of Sindh are not slaves to feudal or dynastic politics. They have the right to welcome leaders of the political party of their choice, voice their concerns and express their political opinion,” the party maintained. It demanded that the PPP chairman direct his Sindh government to ensure “political freedom in practice”. “If the welcome is limited to Twitter while police arrest workers on the ground, this is not democracy but political theatrics.” The party also demanded the immediate release of all workers allegedly taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, as well as an end to any obstruction to the PTI’s political activities. ‘Politics of tolerance’ On Saturday night, Afridi thanked Bilawal after the latter wished him the best for the rest of his visit to Sindh. In a post on X, the PPP leader welcomed Afridi to the “city of martyrs” after the KP chief minister reached Larkana. “Best wishes for the remainder of your tour across Sindh. We must ultimately return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence, the foundation of any democracy,” Bilawal wrote. In response, Afridi thanked him and noted that the “beauty of democracy is in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free”. He also expressed hope that a large crowd would come out on the PTI’s call in Karachi and Hyderabad, where he is due today. Last time Afridi was in Sindh to mobilise people for a street movement, he had initially praised the PPP-led Sindh government’s reception, saying the democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto still thrived in the province. However, he had later accused the Sindh government of not upholding the honour of the ajrak and topi and criticised its treatment of its “guests”. Ahead of Afridi’s rally in Karachi on January 11, the party had alleged that the KP CM had to face obstacles on his way to the metropolis. The party also accused the authorities of violence against its workers and supporters.
Dar, Saudi and Turkish FMs follow-up on understandings reached in first Makkah Defence Alliance meeting: FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held phone calls with Saudi Arabian and Turkish foreign ministers on Sunday and followed up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Makkah Defence Alliance last month, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The joint defence pact was signed on August 7 and empowers the member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. Its inaugural meeting was held on August 31 in Istanbul, where it was decided that the alliance’s secretariat would be initially headed by Pakistan for three years. The three countries also agreed to work towards strengthening their defence capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities, robust defence industry cooperation, and joint technology development and production. Moreover, through the institutionalised and resolute implementation of the Makkah agreement, the three countries also agreed to provide essential contributions to regional peace and stability. In a series of posts on social media platform X, FO said that DPM Dar held separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday. In the call with the Saudi FM, the two leaders discussed regional and international developments, including matters of mutual interest at multilateral fora. “They also discussed follow-up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance, held in Istanbul, and agreed to remain in close contact,” FO said. In a separate post, FO said that Dar also spoke to Fidan and thanked him for hosting the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul. FO said the two leaders followed up on understandings reached and discussed ways to further advance cooperation under the framework. “The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. They also discussed matters of mutual interest and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation at multilateral fora,” FO added. The tripartite agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a summit at Al-Safa Palace. Pakistan has said that the pact is “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. And while Turkiye has said that there is a possibility of Egypt joining the pact, there has been no confirmation from Cairo. Abdelatty invites Dar Earlier in the day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty invited DPM Dar to visit his country, FO said. A statement issued by the FO said that the two held a telephone call in which they exchanged views on Egypt-Pakistan bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to “hold a bilateral visit to Egypt at his earliest convenience”, it added. They also reaffirmed their commitment to remaining “engaged and involved” on regional security matters, agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month. Last November, the Egyptian foreign minister undertook an official two-day visit to Pakistan at DPM Dar’s invitation. During the visit, he met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations and regional peace and stability”, FO said at the time. Abdelatty also met President Asif Ali Zardari during the visit. Pakistan and Egypt are also members of a quadrilateral regional alliance known as the R-4 Group (Regional Four), an arrangement which also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The R-4 group has been focused on regional security and emerged in March amid mediation efforts between the US and Iran.
Dar ve Suudi mevkidaşı Mekke Savunma İttifakı'nı görüştüDar, Saudi and Turkish FMs follow-up on understandings reached in first meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance: FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi Arabian and Turkish counterparts on Sunday followed up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Makkah Defence Alliance, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The joint defence pact was signed on August 7 and empowers the member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. Its inaugural meeting was held on August 31 in Istanbul. In a series of posts on social media platform X, FO said that DPM Dar held separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In the call with the Saudi FM, the two leaders discussed regional and international developments, including matters of mutual interest at multilateral fora. “They also discussed follow-up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance, held in Istanbul, and agreed to remain in close contact,” FO said. In a separate post, FO said that Dar also spoke to Fidan and thanked him for hosting the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul. FO said the two leaders followed up on understandings reached and discussed ways to further advance cooperation under the framework. “The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. They also discussed matters of mutual interest and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation at multilateral fora,” FO added. The tripartite agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a summit at Al-Safa Palace. Pakistan has said that the pact is “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. Dar’s engagement with the Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers comes over a week after the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Agreement, held in Istanbul. In the meeting, which was attended by the foreign and defence ministers of the three countries, as well as top military officials, it was agreed to further institutionalise cooperation under the agreement to strengthen collective deterrence and defence. It was also decided that the alliance’s secretariat would be initially headed by Pakistan for three years and established in Saudi Arabia. Abdelatty invites Dar to undertake bilateral visit to Egypt Earlier in the day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty invited DPM Dar to visit his country, FO said. A statement issued by the FO said that the two held a telephone call in which they exchanged views on Egypt-Pakistan bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to “hold a bilateral visit to Egypt at his earliest convenience”, it added. They also reaffirmed their commitment to remaining “engaged and involved” on regional security matters, agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month. Pakistan and Egypt are members of a quadrilateral regional alliance known as the R-4 Group (Regional Four), an arrangement which also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The R-4 group has been focused on regional security and emerged in March amid mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Last November, the Egyptian foreign minister undertook an official two-day visit to Pakistan at DPM Dar’s invitation. During the visit, he met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations and regional peace and stability”, FO said at the time. Abdelatty also met President Asif Ali Zardari during the visit.
Dar ve Suudi mevkidaşı Mekke Savunma İttifakı'nı görüştüDar, Saudi counterpart discuss 'follow-up' on understanding reached in inaugural meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance: FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, in a phone call on Sunday, discussed “follow-up” on the understanding reached at the inaugural meeting of the Makkah Defence Alliance, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The joint defence pact, of which Turkiye is also a part, was signed on August 7 and empowers the member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. Its inaugural meeting was held on August 31 in Istanbul. In a statement on social media platform X, FO said that DPM Dar held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, during which the two discussed regional and international developments, including matters of mutual interest at multilateral fora. “They also discussed follow-up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance, held in Istanbul, and agreed to remain in close contact,” FO said. The tripartite agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a summit at Al-Safa Palace. Pakistan has said that the pact is “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. Dar’s engagement with his Saudi counterpart comes over a week after the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Agreement, held in Istanbul. In the meeting, which was attended by the foreign and defence ministers of the three countries, as well as top military officials, it was agreed to further institutionalise cooperation under the agreement to strengthen collective deterrence and defence. It was also decided that the alliance’s secretariat would be initially headed by Pakistan for three years and established in Saudi Arabia. Abdelatty invites Dar to undertake bilateral visit to Egypt Earlier in the day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty invited DPM Dar to visit his country, FO said. A statement issued by the FO said that the two held a telephone call in which they exchanged views on Egypt-Pakistan bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to “hold a bilateral visit to Egypt at his earliest convenience”, it added. They also reaffirmed their commitment to remaining “engaged and involved” on regional security matters, agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month. Pakistan and Egypt are members of a quadrilateral regional alliance known as the R-4 Group (Regional Four), an arrangement which also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The R-4 group has been focused on regional security and emerged in March amid mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Last November, the Egyptian foreign minister undertook an official two-day visit to Pakistan at DPM Dar’s invitation. During the visit, he met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations and regional peace and stability”, FO said at the time. Abdelatty also met President Asif Ali Zardari during the visit.
Dar ve Suudi mevkidaşı Mekke Savunma İttifakı'nı görüştüDar, Saudi counterpart discuss 'follow-up' on understanding reached in Istanbul meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance: FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, in a phone call on Sunday, discussed “follow-up” on the understanding reached at the inaugural meeting of the Makkah Defence Alliance, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The joint defence pact, of which Turkiye is also a part, was signed on August 7 and empowers the member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. Its inaugural meeting was held on August 31 in Istanbul. In a statement on social media platform X, FO said that DPM Dar held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, during which the two discussed regional and international developments, including matters of mutual interest at multilateral fora. “They also discussed follow-up on the understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance, held in Istanbul, and agreed to remain in close contact,” FO said. The tripartite agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a summit at Al-Safa Palace. Pakistan has said that the pact is “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. Dar’s engagement with his Saudi counterpart comes over a week after the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Agreement, held in Istanbul. In the meeting, which was attended by the foreign and defence ministers of the three countries, as well as top military officials, it was agreed to further institutionalise cooperation under the agreement to strengthen collective deterrence and defence. It was also decided that the alliance’s secretariat would be initially headed by Pakistan for three years and established in Saudi Arabia. Abdelatty invites Dar to undertake bilateral visit to Egypt Earlier in the day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty invited DPM Dar to visit his country, FO said. A statement issued by the FO said that the two held a telephone call in which they exchanged views on Egypt-Pakistan bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to “hold a bilateral visit to Egypt at his earliest convenience”, it added. They also reaffirmed their commitment to remaining “engaged and involved” on regional security matters, agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month. Pakistan and Egypt are members of a quadrilateral regional alliance known as the R-4 Group (Regional Four), an arrangement which also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The R-4 group has been focused on regional security and emerged in March amid mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Last November, the Egyptian foreign minister undertook an official two-day visit to Pakistan at DPM Dar’s invitation. During the visit, he met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations and regional peace and stability”, FO said at the time. Abdelatty also met President Asif Ali Zardari during the visit.
Dar ve Suudi mevkidaşı Mekke Savunma İttifakı'nı görüştüAbdelatty invites Dar to undertake bilateral visit to Egypt
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday invited Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to visit his country, the Foreign Office (FO) said. A statement issued by the FO said that the two held a telephone call in which they exchanged views on Egypt-Pakistan bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to “hold a bilateral visit to Egypt at his earliest convenience”, it added. They also reaffirmed their commitment to remaining “engaged and involved” on regional security matters, agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month. Last November, the Egyptian foreign minister undertook an official two-day visit to Pakistan at DPM Dar’s invitation. During the visit, he met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations and regional peace and stability”, FO said at the time. He also called on President Asif Ali Zardari, delivering a message from the Egyptian president and expressing “Egypt’s keen interest in expanding its partnership with Pakistan in various fields”. Additionally, he met DPM Dar and the two addressed a joint press conference. Dar said during the press conference that he and Abdelatty had had a “very, very focused discussion” on how their nations could contribute to elevating the business-to-business upscaling of the bilateral activities, which the deputy PM termed as “surely not commensurate”, with around $300 million. “With the depth and the affection the two countries have, […] Pakistan will share with Egypt a comprehensive list of 250 Pakistani business houses representing key sectors of the economy,” Dar had announced. “These businesses will be facilitated and supported to enhance bilateral commercial engagement.” In May, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry met an Egyptian delegation led by Major General Magdy Helal in the federal capital. At the meeting, Pakistan and Egypt agreed to enhance cooperation between their interior ministries and launch joint training programmes for police officers. Pakistan and Egypt are also members of a quadrilateral regional alliance known as the R-4 Group (Regional Four), an arrangement which also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The R-4 group has been focused on regional security and emerged in March amid efforts for mediation between the US and Iran.
Mısır Dışişleri Bakanı'ndan İshak Dar'a Kahire davetiPM, president highlight Pakistan's growing role in regional security as nation observes Defence Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in regional security on Sunday as the nation observed on 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day. The day began with thirty-one gun salute in Islamabad and twenty-one gun salute at provincial capitals, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. A change of guards was also held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi. The Defence Day is observed every year on September 6 to commemorate the legacy of the 1965 war, which began after India launched an attack across the international border. The war ended with a ceasefire on September 22, and peace between the two countries was negotiated under Soviet auspices in Tashkent on January 10, 1966. During this war, 1617 square miles of territory was occupied by Pakistan as compared to 446 square miles of Pakistan’s open and undefended territory occupied by India. The Pakistan Army had captured 20 Indian officers, 19 junior Indian commissioned officers and 569 other ranks. PM’s message PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of armed forces and their families, on behalf of the entire nation, in his Defence Day message issued by his office. “September 6 is a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us of the unparalleled resolve, unity and sacrifices demonstrated by our armed forces and the nation in defence of our beloved homeland. “This day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who made immense sacrifices to safeguard Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and independence. Despite the enemy’s undeclared aggression and numerical superiority on September 6 1965, the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces inflicted a humiliating and resounding defeat upon it on all fronts,” he recalled. The prime minister added, “History bears witness that during the 1965 war, our armed forces displayed exceptional professionalism and courage, while the Pakistani nation demonstrated remarkable unity, resilience and steadfastness. Together they created a proud and enduring legacy in our national history.” The prime minister also commended the armed forces’ response to India during last-year four-day military conflict, Marka-i-Haq. “In line with the glorious tradition of valiance, our armed forces, under the excellent professional strategy of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, delivered a response to our age-old adversary that will be remembered for generations. “The entire nation is proud of our brave Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy,” he said. Referring to Bunyanum Marsoos —Pakistan’s military operation in response to India’s attack in the episode — the premier said its success added another “glorious chapter to our military history”. “Our armed forces have once again demonstrated that the spirit and fervour of September 6 remain as strong as ever.” He added that the challenges confronting Pakistan today demanded greater national unity and solidarity. “Our traditional adversary, along with Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, continues to pursue its nefarious designs against Pakistan, but these hostile forces are facing successive and decisive defeats. The sinister designs of hostile forces seeking to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare shall be resolutely defeated,” he said. The state uses the term Fitna-al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. Beyond security challenges, PM Shehbaz said one of the country’s “foremost challenge is to eradicate ignorance, poverty and backwardness and to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-o-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal”. “Our true strength lies not only in our defence capabilities but also in a united, peaceful, stable and economically strong nation,” he said, adding that the government would continue to take resolute measures to strengthen Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and defence, while simultaneously advancing economic development, political stability and public welfare. And beyond its frontiers, Pakistan would continue to play an “active and constructive” role in promoting peace and stability at both regional and global levels, he added. As a responsible state, Pakistan had emerged as a net security stabiliser, contributing to collective security, peace and stability beyond its borders, he said, adding that the Makkah Defence Alliance was a manifestation of Pakistan’s growing role in regional security and reflected its commitment to collective defence, mutual security and enduring partnerships with brotherly countries. “Pakistan will continue to fulfil its responsibilities as a dependable partner for peace and security while pursuing cooperation and dialogue as the preferred means of addressing regional challenges,” he said. He then called on the international community to recognise that lasting and genuine peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir issue as per United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. “Quaid-i-Azam described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein. India’s reprehensible conduct and continued intransigence on the Kashmir dispute remain major impediments to lasting peace, development and prosperity in the region,” he said. Coming back to September 6, he added, “On this historic day, let us renew our commitment to making Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of faith, unity and discipline an integral part of our national life. Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan. “We must always remember that a strong defence provides the foundation for sustainable peace and development. The armed forces of Pakistan remain the guarantors of our national security, and the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave defenders,” he said. President’s message President Zardari began his message by stating that September 6 held a “memorable place in our national history, reminding us of the great sacrifices made to safeguard our freedom, sovereignty and national security”. “Defence and Martyrs’ Day provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices of the brave sons of the nation who, in 1965, demonstrated unparalleled resolve, courage and devotion in defence of our beloved homeland, defeating the enemy’s nefarious designs on every front. “I, on behalf of the entire nation, salute the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s armed forces and their families. Through their blood and sacrifice, our martyrs wrote timeless stories of courage and patriotism in the annals of our national history. Their sacrifices will forever remain a guiding light for generations to come,” he said. The president said the unity and spirit of faith demonstrated by the armed forces and the Pakistani nation on September 6, 1965 remained a manifestation of the nation’s collective strength. “This day reminds us that when a nation stands united in defence of its freedom, sovereignty and homeland, no power can defeat its resolve,” he added. He, too, recalled Marka-i-Haq, saying that the “spirit of September 6 was once again reflected in the resounding success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”. “Victory in Marka-i-Haq represents a continuation of the spirit of patriotism and freedom embodied by September 6. Marka-i-Haq has added another glorious chapter to our national history. This extraordinary success is a testament to the professionalism, courage and bravery of our armed forces and reflects the exemplary longstanding bond between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” he said. He too mentioned Pakistan’s role in regional security, and said that as a peaceful and responsible state, the country remained firmly committed to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in the region and across the world. “Pakistan has increasingly emerged as a net regional security provider, contributing to peace, stability and collective security beyond its frontiers. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its growing role as a responsible and dependable partner for regional peace and stability,” he said. At the same time, he continued, there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. “The international community must recognise that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir issue as per United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” the president said. He further called on India to “desist from promoting terrorism in Pakistan through its proxies”. “United Nations reports testify that Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan have received foreign patronage and the nexus between India and the Taliban regime is no longer a secret,” he noted. The president added that in every conventional and unconventional war, Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated their vigilance, preparedness and unwavering commitment to defending the country. “The entire nation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces,” he said. He added, “We must also remember that, alongside a strong defence, economic stability, political tolerance, national unity, education and development constitute the foundations of Pakistan’s strength. Together, we must play our part in building a bright, secure and developed Pakistan for our youth and future generations.” The president concluded his message, saying: “Today, as we pay tribute to the great sacrifices of our martyrs, we renew our resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security at all costs. We also reaffirm our commitment to working together to transform Pakistan, in accordance with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, into a strong, democratic, prosperous and developed state.” ‘Pakistan seeks peace in region’ Country’s top miliatry brass also commemorated the war’s legacy on the day in a message released by the military’s media affairs wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said CDF Munir, Admiral Ashraf, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu National Strategic Command Commander General Syed Aamer Raza and the armed forces “pay profound tribute to the shuhada (martyrs) of Pakistan and extend their deepest respect and gratitude to the ghazis (fighters) and the families of our martyrs on the occasion of the 61st Defence and Martyrs’ Day”. “September 6 remains an enduring symbol of national unity, courage and resolve, reminding us how the Pakistani nation stood as one in defence of the motherland during the war of 1965,” the statement said. It added that martyrs of Pakistan “embody the highest ideals of honour, duty and sacrifice”. “Across the battlefields, skies and seas, generations of Pakistan’s defenders have stood sentinels and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Their immortal legacy continues to inspire future generations, while the families of our shuhada remain enduring symbols of fortitude and resilience. “We also salute our ghazis, who continue to guard the nation’s frontiers with valour, steadfastness and distinguished service,” the statement said. The armed forces remained fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, it said, adding that Pakistan sought peace, stability and prosperity in the region and remained committed to responsible conduct and peaceful coexistence. “This commitment, however, must never be mistaken for weakness. Any aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift and decisive response.” The armed forces renewed their “solemn pledge of unwavering devotion to Pakistan and its people”. “The supreme sacrifices of our shuhada, the spirit of our ghazis and the fortitude of their families will forever remain a source of national strength and pride. Standing united with the nation, the armed forces will continue to discharge their sacred responsibilities with honour, professionalism and unflinching resolve,” the statement said.
Pakistan, Savunma Günü'nde bölgesel güvenlikteki rolünü öne çıkardıSecurity forces kill 48 terrorists in 'high-tempo' Balochistan operations over 72 hours: ISPR
Security forces have killed 48 terrorists in multiple “high-tempo” anti-terror operations across Balochistan over the past three days, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts against “Indian proxies, Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij”. The state uses the term Fitna-al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. In an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mastung district on Friday, security forces identified the movement of terrorists and engaged them. Six “Indian-sponsored terrorists” were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, the ISPR said. A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also recovered and destroyed during the operation, it added. In another IBO in the Shaban area of Quetta district, security forces identified “four Khwarij hideouts”. Following an exchange of fire, 26 terrorists were killed, according to the ISPR. In Kalat district, security forces raided a terrorist hideout, killing two terrorists in the ensuing firefight, the military said. Meanwhile, in the Bhag area of Sibi district, security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to raid a local police station. Two terrorists were killed in the operation, according to the ISPR. “In last forty eight - seventy two hours, 48 x terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan & Fitna al Khwarij have been neutralised across Balochistan,” the ISPR said. In an earlier statement today, the ISPR said that security forces killed 12 terrorists in an IBO in Balochistan’s Kalat district. The IBO was conducted on Wednesday on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al Hindustan, the military’s media wing said in a press release. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating the dozen terrorists in Kalat. In separate statements carried by state-run APP, the president and the prime minister expressed their resolve to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country. They said the entire nation stood firmly with the armed forces in their unwavering resolve to safeguard the country. “The continuous operations by law enforcement agencies and security forces are aimed at completely eliminating terrorism being patronised by external elements,” President Zardari was quoted as saying. PM Shehbaz said the government will never allow terrorists to succeed in their nefarious designs to disrupt peace in Balochistan. 5 injured as coordinated attack in Bhag foiled Separately, two policemen were among five people injured as law enforcers foiled a “coordinated” terrorist attack on a police station, bank and the office of the assistant commissioner in Balochistan’s Bhag city, the provincial government said on Friday. Shahid Rind, the chief minister’s aide for political and media affairs, said in a post on X that about 40 terrorists attacked the three places using “heavy weapons, rocket launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and hand grenades”. Rind said the terrorists failed to take control of the Bhag police station or seize weapons from the facility. He highlighted that the cops “bravely confronted the terrorists for nearly two hours”, inflicting heavy casualties and material loss to the attackers, who were “forced to retreat”. The CM’s aide noted that the strong protective wall of the police station played a crucial role in the defensive action. Rind further said that the terrorists failed to loot cash from the “national bank”, while a special branch of the Bomb Disposal Unit defused an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the terrorists in the facility. Two police personnel were injured by the terrorists’ firing, while three citizens were also hurt, Rind said, adding that medical aid was being provided to them all. Following the terrorist attack, the people of Bhag expressed solidarity with police and lauded their bravery, he said, affirming that the people of Balochistan stood with police and security forces in the fight against terrorism. “Bhag police proved that terrorists would not be allowed to challenge the writ of the state,” Rind asserted. Surge in terrorism The Kalat IBO and the Bagh attack come amid a recent surge in terrorist activities in Balochistan. On the night of Aug 31-Sept 1, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House, located at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway, in Pishin district. While security forces responded effectively and killed 10 terrorists, two officers were among six martyred in the fire exchange, ISPR said. Also on August 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, who had blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion in Chagai’s Nokcha area, were eliminated following an intense exchange of fire. According to security officials, a convoy of “empty vehicles” from the Reko Diq copper and gold project had come under attack in the same area of Nokcha while it was travelling to Quetta from the project site. The same day, it was reported that two terrorists had also been killed during an IBO in Washuk district. Last month, the security situation remained most severe in Balochistan, where the number of terrorist attacks increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
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